Strategic approaches to sexual violence prevention in adolescents

Strategic approaches to sexual violence prevention in adolescents

James Bush

Bush Counseling Services Murfreesboro, USA

Abstract

It is reported that 1 in 4 women report having experienced some sexual violence as oppose to their male counterparts who experience 1 in 6. Needless to say, Sexual Violence is a huge problem within our society. The after effects of this trauma have been linked to depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, hyper sexuality, low self-esteem and low self-worth. Unfortunately, research suggests that trauma that is not treated can become chronic. To further this idea, an experience such as sexual violence that is not buffered by key social supports may create toxic stress within the brain. This falls in line with the research of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Building Strong Brains. Which demonstrates that experiences, actions, and thoughts are recorded in the neurons of the brain during development? It also suggest that experiences that are most prevalent are most lasting within the brain even after it begins to prune the neurons around the age of 14.

This presentation aims to offer strategic approaches in working with adolescents from a primary and secondary prevention model. This keeps in line with the research of ACEs and resilience. The presentation offers to give clinicians and others in the audience practical knowledge on how to arm and empower adults and adolescents with pertinent knowledge to serve as a possible buffer to aid in the event of this atrocity. All in all, it is easier to build strong children then to repair broken individuals.  

Biography

James Bush, a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Tennesssee. He completed his M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University. He is the Program Director of Youth Overcoming Drug Abuse. For years, his efforts have concentrated on the growing adolescent population within the Middle Tennessee area and surrounding counties, which has led to service through community events, and partnerships with various organizations. He has also provided trainings for many audiences, on the topics of sexual violence prevention, alcohol and drug abuse trends, anxiety relief, deep-breathing techniques, and Adverse Childhood Experiences.