The Longitudinal Impact of Second Step Child Protection Unit on Children: Gender as a Moderator

• In Event: Friends, Enemies, and Bullies: Peer Relationships in School

Abstract

To prevent the adverse effects of child sexual abuse (CSA), we investigated the potential of the Committee for Children’s Second Step Child Protection Unit (CPU) through a randomized controlled trial. We explored the longitudinal impacts on student outcomes of CSA recognition, teacher-student relationship, and fear, with gender as a moderator. The intervention group students were better able to recognize CSA than control group students over time. Teacher-student relations improved for the intervention group students but worsened for the control group students. Children in both conditions did not show increased fears. These results provide support for the long-term impact of the CPU. The positive effect was more pronounced among girls, who suffer from higher CSA prevalence, compared with boys.

Authors

• Sunha Kim, University at Buffalo - SUNY

• Tia Kim, Committee for Children

• Amanda B. Nickerson, University at Buffalo