WHAT IS CAP?

CAP is a school-based program that uses workshops to educate children on how to reduce their vulnerability. The workshops are presented by trained volunteers. These workshops consist of three skits describing the following situations: a bully confrontation, a stranger attempting to grab a child using a trick, and a known adult making a child uncomfortable with a kiss and then telling him or her it's their little secret.

CAP also consists of adult workshops. CAP staff presents information to the parents and school personnel on the program itself, as well as volunteer opportunities in the community and on child abuse issues.

The CAP Project has grown nationwide. There is now a National Center for Assault Prevention office which serves as the headquarters for local CAP programs.

GOALS OF CAP

The goals of CAP are to empower children and reduce their vulnerability by providing information to children and the community, reducing children's powerlessness and dependency and increasing children's sources of support and assistance.

HOW CAP STARTED

The Child Assault Prevention (CAP) Project was started in Columbus, Ohio in 1978. A second grade student at a local elementary school had been raped and a concerned teacher noticed changes in behavior in the students in her classroom after this assault was revealed. She contacted an agency called Women Against Rape for assistance. As a result of that phone call, concerned individuals developed the CAP project, designed to educate children, parents, school personnel and the community at large on how to reduce the vulnerability of children.

CAP IN WEST VIRGINIA

CAP began in Cabell County in 1984. At that time, volunteers from community agencies were trained and began conducting workshops in local elementary schools. In 1986, when the TEAM for West Virginia Children waa incorporated as an agency, it brought the CAP program under its umbrella. The TEAM is currently presenting workshops in Cabell and Wayne counties.

HOW TO START CAP IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Anyone interested in starting a CAP program in their community and needing further information can call the National Center for Assault Prevention at 1-800-258-3189 or Kim Runyon Wilds at the TEAM for West Virginia Children at 523-9587 ext 307.

For more information, contact the National Center for Assault Prevention at www.ncap.org