Sexual assault prevention efforts stepped up

 A few of the seventh-graders giggled as Krista Danis began her presentation during health class at Washington Middle School in Aurora.

Others bent over their desks with intent expressions, diligently answering the quiz she'd handed out, which asked about everything from the definition of incest to the technicalities of rape.

During a three-day sexual assault prevention course, the Mutual Ground education specialist covered sex crimes, legal issues and statistics on abuse.

It's a tough subject to broach with a group of 12- and 13-year-olds.

But "they need this information more than ever," said Rhonda Annala, coordinator of Mutual Ground's prevention education department.

Experts say kids are talking more about sex, a trend matched by increased sexual abuse prevention efforts at home and in schools. Ten years ago, Mutual Ground educators gave 328 presentations. Last year, they gave 1,748.

The Aurora agency now offers seven programs for sexual assault prevention and works with students at every level.

Preschool and elementary programs teach young students how to recognize "unsafe touches" and set personal boundaries.

In middle school, educators talk about different types of sex crimes and explain the tactics offenders use.

High school courses generally focus on rape and dating violence.

"I really do think kids get it," Danis said.

She and other Mutual Ground educators said even young students seem to understand the concepts, though their views are often shaped by stereotypes.

"I guarantee you people wouldn't believe what some of those sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders know," said Andrea Klimpke, another Mutual Ground prevention education specialist.

Teens and preteens talk frequently to each other about sex and are exposed to constant media images.

At the same time, more parents are speaking to their children about sexual abuse, Annala said.

Angela Halliday began talking to her four children about sexual assault when they were in elementary school. She attends Mutual Ground's parent courses, which are offered to families before educators go into their children's classrooms.

Another Aurora mother, Deena Bess Sherman, who has two 13-year-old girls, also began talking to her daughters about sexual assault issues when they were in first grade. She even enrolled them in martial arts classes to learn how to defend themselves.

"It's something that is always on my mind," said Sherman. "The most important thing is that we have a very open line of communication, so that if they ever feel they're threatened, they can immediately come to me."

There are still parents who are uncomfortable with or have misconceptions about what their children learn during sexual assault prevention courses, Annala said. But prevention efforts in the classroom seem to have a positive effect.

Results of tests given at the end of the course show students' understanding of the concepts increase by about 13 percent. But what's most important to Mutual Ground educators is that kids know sexual assault can affect anyone.

"Why am I here talking to you about sexual assault?" Danis asked the seventh-grade class.

A hand shoots in the air, and the boy is no longer giggling.

"Because it could happen to us," he said.