[Carolyn_Grace]

I don't mind if you don't like the use of the word epidemic...usage of a specific word isn't really the point of this thread. Perhaps it was a bit extreme, but the fact remains that the numbers stated are only the numbers that are officially reported. And, as far as I know, while those numbers are from 1997, it has not decreased at all.

What I think is important is being aware of how to keep everyone safe: mentors and students alike. And what to do if you are aware of a situation of sexual abuse. And what sexual abuse really is. It's not always black and white.

I agree: common sense must be used in reporting stuff like this. Which is why a training session could help people understand when it is important to report something. It is also helpful to knowing how to protect ourselves, as mentors, from a situation that could be damaging for life.

In most churches (and all American Catholic churches now), if you are working with minors in any way you have to go through a training on sexual abuse. I believe the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are working on implementing a similar program (if they haven't already). FIRST is a similar situation: adults working with minors. Part of mentoring should be knowing what to do if this situation ever comes up.

I am offering to organize a training session on the topic of Sexual Abuse...I would like to open it to any FIRST mentors in the Michigan area (specifically Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties, though anyone else would be welcome).

Are there people interested in attending something like this? I realize that it's a very depressing topic. But I also think that it's important in order to know how to protect ourselves and our students.