Hope’s Place teaches sexual abuse awareness

Article from The Daily Independent

ASHLAND, KY — Mark Cole is passionate about his work at Hope’s Place Children’s Advocacy Center.

Cole, the prevention educator at the center, has a background in business and marketing, not counseling or sexual abuse investigation. But after taking the free, two-hour training at Hope’s Place, he wanted to give back to his community.

Now, he’s the main trainer at the center and uses his education and experience to educate the public on preventing child sexual abuse.

Sexual abuse is the most prevalent health issue facing children younger than 18. Statistically, one in 10 children will be sexually abused, compared to one in 330 children being diagnosed with cancer and one in 25 children being diagnosed with diabetes.

Statistically, more than 90 percent of child sexual abusers are known to the child; 30 percent are family and 60 percent are someone the family trusts.

Hope’s Place exists to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to the reality of child sexual abuse. The center serves a five-county area in Kentucky, including Boyd, Greenup, Elliott, Carter and Lawrence. Hope’s Place actively seeks to reduce the occurrence of sexual abuse and awareness through education.

The training plan, “Darkness to Light — Stewards of Children” takes the class through five steps to protecting children: learning the facts, minimizing opportunity, talking about it, recognizing the signs and reacting responsibly.

Community support is vital in helping to overcome child sexual abuse, Cole said. The training is available to anyone, including parents, teachers, clergy, coaches, foster care workers, child care workers and social workers.

For more information or to schedule a training, call Hope’s Place at (606) 325-4737, visit  hopesplace.org or email Cole at mark@hopesplace.org.

If you or someone you care about was sexually abused and you would like advice from an attorney about the rights and options for victims of child sexual abuse, please contact Crew Janci today for a free, confidential consultation at 1-888-407-0224 or by using our private online form.  We will treat you with discretion and respect.

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