"Molly the Meerkat" is SAFENOWPROJECT's official child safety and protection mascot. She is an integral part of our TAKE FIVE: SAFER STEPS TO BE SAFE NOW(R). Visit our website in the coming weeks for more information about how she can help you teach children to be safe.

“I welcome the opportunity to work with the SAFENOWPROJECT and include the TAKE FIVE program as a resource in our Neighborhood Watch Tool Kit. We are currently offering training across the nation. All those involved in the training will be given a copy of the Neighborhood Watch Tool Kit. We again look forward to working in partnership with you and your organization.”

- Christopher J. Tutko, Director Neighborhood Watch, National Sheriffs' Association

Get involved today!

Community-based Action and Awareness Campaigns:
SAFELIVING(R)

SAFELIVING(TM) is SAFENOWPROJECT's comprehensive state-of-the-art multimedia education campaign designed to teach young children essential life skills for a happy and productive life. Based upon new and existing research, these applied life skills can significantly reduce a child's chance of harm or victimization from all kinds of violence, including sexual abuse. SAFELIVING(R) encompasses all educational initiatives including:
• TAKE FIVE--SAFER STEPS TO BE SAFE NOW(R)
• Activism (Pledge)
• Involvement (getting others to read and "witness" our Pledge),
• Protocols for Faith Based Leadership and the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse)
• MY LIFEMATTERS



TAKE FIVE:
SAFER STEPS TO BE SAFE NOW(R)

S Stop and Think
Stop and think about your safety. Do not let people rush you or push you into things if you have doubts. Stay in thinking mode and trust your instincts. If someone is trying to make you do something that does not feel right, say no, get away from them immediately and seek help.

A Act to protect yourself
Be aware of which actions might lead you into danger and which actions will protect you. Always let others know where you are going and avoid having risky secrets. Remember, alcohol and other drugs will stop you thinking clearly and might lead you into dangerous situations.

F Fight for your right to safety
If you find yourself in a dangerous situation fight, yell and scream in order to attract attention. Let others know immediately in the loudest and most visible ways that you are in danger. Learn simple ways to defend yourself but remember that avoiding situations that put you at risk is always better than having to fight your way out.

E Encourage others stay safe
If your friends act safely they will create a safe environment for you all. Protect each other by looking out for your friends and have them look out for you. If you are going alone into a new situation tell someone where you will be, do not keep dangerous secrets. Form a pact with someone you trust to look out for each other.

R Remember...
Remember the ‘Help Me’ sign. Remember there is always someone to help. At anytime I need to talk to someone, I can call 1-800-448-3000 .


The SAFE NOW Pledge(R)

“I promise to do my best to be aware of my safety and that of others by knowing and practicing the TAKE FIVE--Safer Steps to be Safe NOW”


PROTOCOLS for Faith Based Leadership in the prevention of child sexual abuse and the protection of victims.
(2006 Copyright, SAFENOWPROJECT)

The Protocols for Faith-Based Leadership in the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and the Protection fo Victims is a publication currently under development. This document is intended to help guide the messages by faith leaders in both the prevention and the appropriate response to child sexual abuse. It is important to recognize that faith communities who fail to be proactive in prevention and protection policies, may in fact, create an environment that perpetuates ongoing victimization to known and potential victims. Silence and secrecy are common to sex offending. Faith-based communities can be instrumental in breaking this silence by providing spiritual and emotional support to victims, abusers and their families in a safe setting.

The purposes of these recommended protocols are to:

1) Educate the faith-based community about the nature and scope of sexual offending and victimization within their congregation and the need for essential policies and procedures addressing these issues.

2) Provide a safety/prevention plan within the congregation that minimizes the vulnerability of potential victims.

3) Help identify, develop and utilize the optimal setting, intensity of intervention, and level of supervision necessary for "known" or registered sex abusers who attend faith ceremonies, meetings or events.

4) Provide spiritual and emotional support to victims, abusers and their families in a safe environment; and

5) Identify collaborative relationships with local prevention and support services.


MY LIFEMATTERS

SAFENOWPROJECT supports this workbook and cirriculum by internationally renowned researcher and practitioner Dr. Margaret O'Rourke. MY LIFEMATTERS teaches middle school children empirically based life skills that make children less vulnerable for victimization, while improving self esteem, self protection and pro-social thinking and behavior.


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