4.) CHILDHOOD SEXUAL ABUSE
While initial data from the Community Health Needs Assessment indicated a disproportionately higher number of reported cases of childhood sexual abuse in St. Mary’s County, subsequent data suggests that the numbers are lower than previously reported and is actually lower than that of the State child maltreatment numbers . Despite the newer data, the Coalition believes that any sexual abuse is unacceptable in our community and multi-disciplinary awareness programs have been developed and instituted. The Pediatric Sexual Assault Coalition will continue to review current policies and hold collaborative training events to encourage identification of possible sexual assault victims. Relevant data and programs will continue to be monitored and adjustments will be addressed if abuse rates rise.
GOAL: The goal of the Local Health Improvement Process is to decrease the number of cases of child sexual abuse in St. Mary’s County.
Outcome Objectives/Measures:
Objective 1: Establish a quarterly reporting of child abuse cases in St. Mary’s County by the St. Mary’s Child Advocacy Center to the LHIC. Stratify data to help identify areas needing education on the prevention of child abuse.
Objective 2: Identify current coalition partners and community child abuse prevention strategies by March 2011.
Objective 3: Implement at least one child abuse prevention program countywide or locations specific as indicated by data trends with measurable outcomes by September 2011.