Jana McDermott from Child Advocacy Program of Chautauqua County talks with the Jamestown City Council on Monday, May 11, 2015.
JAMESTOWN – A local organization dedicated to ending child sexual abuse is asking the city of Jamestown to help make their goal a reality.
Child Advocacy Program (CAP) of Chautauqua County executive director Jana McDermott attended Monday night’s Jamestown City Council work session to provide details of her organization with the city officials.
McDermott said that an estimated 2900 children in Chautauqua County will be sexually abused before the age of 18, with more than 90 percent of children who are sexually abused knowing their abuser.
She said that to help reduce these numbers, its important as many people in the community receive proper training, so they can recognize the signs of sexual abuse. As a result, she is requesting as many city employees and officials as possible take part in the training program.
“We need everyday people to have an eye out, to know what to look for, to listen and to be someone that a child could feel safe with and may say something,” McDermott said. “You may just follow it up and you never know what one ripple can make – one stone in this pond – you could have a big effect on someone’s life.”
Jamestown Mayor Sam Teresi said he’s already talked with his department heads about the CAP training, with many members of the city workforce scheduled to participate in the coming months.
“We’re going to encourage our workforce to take advantage of this opportunity and to make sure we’re doing our jobs, not only as public servants but as, more importantly, members of this community.”
McDermott said her goal is to have 5000 people throughout Chautauqua County receive training from CAP, which she believes would help to drastically reduce child sexual abuse.
Studies have shown that children who are sexually abused face long-term consequences – including a higher incidence rate of mental health problems, physical health problems, and substance abuse problems.
To learn more about CAP or to find out how to receive training to recognize the signs of child sexual abuse, visit www.CAPJUstice.org or call 338-9844.
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