Child sex abuse prevention focus of training for Maryland

BALTIMORE – The state of Maryland has taken a significant step toward preventing child sexual abuse by attending evidenced-based training at its Crime Control & Prevention office.

The course, taught by former Mrs. Maryland International Elizabeth Peace, is the only nationally available program scientifically proven to increase knowledge of child sex abuse. For every adult trained in the program, 10 children are estimated to be saved. Peace, now the reigning Mrs. Atlantic States International, uses her title to bring more awareness to child sex abuse in the military after it affected her family seven years ago. Her platform, Operation Innocence, focuses on state and federal laws that leave children vulnerable to sexual predators.

“Incredulously, there are many adults who believe it is up to children to protect themselves from adult predators,” Peace said. “This training helps adults understand their role and their rights when it comes to protecting children in their care before it’s too late. I applaud the state of Maryland for the many steps it has taken to protect children. Taking this training is just another item in a long list of examples of how the state leads the way in our country in being proactive to give a brighter future to our most vulnerable population.”

The prevention training is available to all adults through Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children class. It focuses on the prevention steps adults and organizations can utilize immediately to prevent child sex abuse, and teaches adult how to handle allegations of child sex abuse to ensure the least amount of harm to victims. It is taught by trained facilitators, like Peace, who volunteer to offer the classes in their region.

“This important course conveys how to spot signs of abuse and how to protect children from sexual abuse,” said Glenn Fueston, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Crime Control & Prevention (GOCCP). “Governor Hogan’s administration places priority on safeguarding the children of Maryland, which is why we believe every adult should know how to prevent these heinous crimes as fellow stewards of our youth.”

GOCCP serves as a coordinating office that advises the Governor on criminal justice strategies. The office plans, promotes and funds efforts with government entities, private organizations and the community to advance public policy, enhance public safety, reduce crime and juvenile delinquency, and serve victims.