Gwen recently joined Prevent Child Abuse Utah as the School Services and Community Outreach Administrator. Prior to joining PCAU, she worked for the Utah State Courts.   During her 25 year tenure, she worked extensively in Juvenile Court and and as the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children) Program Coordinator with the Utah Office of Guardian Ad Litem. She received a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Public Administration from Southern Utah University. Gwen is an experienced presenter and passionate about prevention education and the role of adults in protecting and valuing children!  She serves on several coalitions including the Salt Lake Region Quality Improvement Committee, the State Child Welfare Improvement Committee, the Salt Lake County Safe Kids Coalition, the West Jordan Exchange Club and the West Jordan Domestic Violence Coalition. 

Presentation Description  Child sexual abuse is a serious problem in the State of Utah. The percentage of supported sexual abuse allegations in Utah is 27%...3 times the national average of 9%.  One in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused before they are 18 years old.  This serious issue prompted HB 286, legislation implemented beginning in the 2016-2017 school year.  During this presentation you will learn more about the legislation and the prevention education that is being delivered to parents, students and adults working with youth both in person and online.  The ultimate objective of the presentation will be to educate, engage and empower you, no matter what your role or profession, to recognize and report abuse as well as to provide support to children and their families, enabling them to heal from the trauma of sexual abuse.