The organization is called Little Warriors but there's nothing small about its role in trying to prevent child sexual abuse and educating adults on how to deal with it.
Aware that abuse can happen in all socioeconomic groups and communities and the scars it leaves behind can last a lifetime, Little Warriors has developed a unique training program aimed at helping adults prevent, recognize and react to child sexual abuse.
The Edmonton-based organization is working toward combating the problem by turning conscientious and concerned adults into vigilant observers and active protectors of young people, the ones who are least able to fight for themselves.
"We all have to do something," said Glori Meldrum, the Edmonton-based founder of the organization.
Little Warriors has been around for four years now but only recently conducted its first Stewards of Children session in the city at Muriel Martin Elementary School.
Gloria Knutson is the school counsellor and was one of the participants at that first session, prompted by the school's parent council. She has had much experience dealing with this problem.
"Numerous times," she responded, when asked how often she's had to report incidents or indicators of child sexual abuse.
According to statistics used by the organization, one in three girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused before their eighteenth birthday. Almost all of them will know their perpetrator.
Little Warriors offers the Stewards of Children program, developed by Darkness to Light, a similar organization out of the United States. The training is designed for all responsible adults, including parents and organizations that serve children and youth.
The training program
Each session runs three hours and costs $30 per person.
The program involves viewing a video produced by Darkness to Light, accompanied with group discussion led by a qualified trainer. The video is the main focus of the presentation with breaks to integrate and digest the often unsettling but still empowering information. Students are provided with a workbook to take home, but more importantly they take home the feeling that there is something that they can do to change a major problem in the life of one person, if not the lives of many people.
"My perception is that it's really good to have that information, and then have the chance to discuss what we can do to support our children and make sure they're in a safe environment."
"I know what Little Warriors means to survivors," Meldrum stated.
Getting trained
The next session being offered locally occurs on Thursday, April 12 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Morinville Community Cultural Centre, 9502 100 Avenue.
Little Warriors can provide more information about child sexual abuse and the Stewards of Children program. Call 780-447-1343 (locally) or 1-888-440-1343 (toll free), or email [email protected]. You can read more about Little Warriors and the Stewards of Children program (including registration for upcoming sessions) at www.littlewarriors.ca.
