Abigail was a bright and shy little girl who always paid attention to what others expected of her. She listened and watched others intently and this guided her behavior most of the time. As she began to realize that her performance in school was being monitored, she focused and worked hard to do well. The more she did, the more she was praised and this began the cycle of her hard work, need to perform and anxiety.

In recent years, many independent schools have been deeply affected by the unexpected and tragic deaths of one or more of their students. These heartbreaking events leave a lasting mark on the school community, altering the emotional landscape in ways that are both immediate and long-term. As many of you may have experienced or witnessed, such a sudden loss can profoundly impact the student body, shaking their collective sense of safety, stability, and normalcy.

By recognizing the behavior of child sexual predators, and by understanding the factors that leave children vulnerable to sexual abuse, parents can gain greater control in protecting their children from child sexual abuse. Read more.