Prevent Abuse
Practical guidance, warning signs, and vetted resources to help parents, schools, and communities prevent and respond to child sexual abuse.
Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) Prevention Resources
Tools and information to help Utah families, schools, and communities protect children from sexual abuse.
Child sexual abuse affects 1 in 7 Utah children before age 18 — and in 91% of cases, the perpetrator is someone the child already knows. The good news is that prevention works. Research consistently shows that children who receive age-appropriate safety education are more likely to recognize warning signs, resist manipulation, and tell a trusted adult when something feels wrong.
Through Senate Bill 205 (2024), Utah now requires schools to provide staff training and parent education on CSA prevention, and encourages age-appropriate instruction for K–6 students using USBE-approved curricula — available to schools at no cost.
This resource hub is organized into two tracks: one for parents and caregivers, and one for schools and educators. Use the sections below to find information relevant to you.
Tools for Parents & Caregivers
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The Problem of Child Sexual Abuse
Learn what child sexual abuse is, why it is a serious problem in Utah, and how it can be prevented.
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Preventing Child Sexual Abuse
What parents should know about prevention education, what children learn and what schools must do to support parents and educators.
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Protecting Your Child
What to do if you suspect a child is being abused. Includes guidance on talking to your child and how to recognize signs of abuse.
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If You Suspect Abuse
How handle an abuse disclosure, what the legal and investigative process looks like, and how to navigate next steps for your family.
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Parent Advocacy Tools
How to advocate for CSA prevention education in your school, talk with other parents and community members, and support your child's access to safety education.
Tools for Educators & School Leaders
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The Problem of Child Sexual Abuse
Learn what child sexual abuse is, why it is a serious problem in Utah, and how it can be prevented.
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School-Based Prevention Education
What school leaders and educators should know about prevention education, what children learn and what schools must do to support parents and educators.
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Educator Training & Support
How to create safe school environments and resources for required staff training and support.
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Partnering with Parents & Caregivers
How to work with parents and caregivers to keep students safe, resources to share with families, and information on approved parent awareness programs.
Resource Index
Toolkit for Parents & Caregivers
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What is Child Sexual Abuse?
Impacts of Abuse
Special Considerations: Situations That Require Additional Awareness
When a Child Harms Another Child
Online Safety: Child Sexual Abuse Material and Sextortion
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Why Prevention Matters
What child abuse prevention education is…and is not
Curriculum Approval & Delivery
Prevention Curriculum Approval Process
Delivery Structure
Parents’ Rights
Supporting Prevention Education in Your School
Prevention Education for Parents
What Utah Schools are Required to Provide
Resources Available Through Your Elementary School
Our Responsibility to Protect Children
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Prevention Starts at Home
Signs of Abuse & the Grooming Process
What to Watch For
Talking to Your Child About Abuse
A Few Starting Points
Key Safety Concepts Every Parent Should be Teaching at Home
Online Exploitation
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What to Do & What to Expect
How to Respond to an Abuse Disclosure
The Reporting Process
Who should report?
How and where to report?
Why Reporting Matters
What to Expect from Safety Agencies
Utah Children’s Justice Center (CJC)
Utah Division of Child & Family Services
Supporting a Child After an Incident
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CSA Prevention
USBE Guidelines Your School Should Know
The Reporting Process
Toolkit for Educators & School Leaders
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What is Child Sexual Abuse?
Impacts of Abuse
Special Considerations: Situations That Require Additional Awareness
When a Child Harms Another Child
Online Safety: Child Sexual Abuse Material and Sextortion
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Background of Prevention Education in Utah
What Schools Are Required to Do
What child abuse prevention education is…and is not
Curriculum Approval & Delivery
Prevention Curriculum Approval Process
Delivery Structure
USBE-Approved Educational Materials
How to Access Student Prevention Education at No Cost
Option 1: Partner with the State’s Contracted Prevention Provider
Option 2: Apply for a USBE Grant to Use an Alternative Provider
Frequently Asked Questions About CSA Prevention Education
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Preventing Abuse at School
Creating a Safe Reporting Environment
Recognizing Signs of Abuse
Grooming Behaviors to Watch for in Adults
Disclosures and Mandatory Reporting
What should staff do if a student makes a disclosure?
Mandatory Reporting Requirements
Staff Training Resources
CSA/HT Prevention Education Resources
USBE-Approved Adult Serving Youth Instructional Materials
Other Resources for Schools
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Communicating with Parents About Prevention Education
Start Before Instruction Begins
Talking Points for Counselors and Administrators
Opt-Out Process
How to Talk to Parents About Student Prevention Education
Age-Appropriate Content by Grade
Prevention Education for Parents
Parent Education: Your School's Legal Obligation
Resources to Share with Parents
USBE-Approved Parent and Guardian Instructional Materials