The Child Assault Prevention Program (CAP) is a curriculum that teaches elementary school children simple strategies to reduce their vulnerability to verbal, physical and sexual assault and violence. In partnership with schools, approximately 80 trained and supervised CAP volunteers work as Prevention Specialists.
 
    Through age-appropriate, skill-oriented classroom workshops, children learn and are encouraged to use practical skills to become confident in their own problem-solving abilities, strengthening their capacity to recognize and respond to uncomfortable and potentially dangerous situations. Children are taught the importance of assertiveness, peer support and turning to trusted adults for assistance. Taught that everyone has the right to be Safe, Strong and Free, children are guided step-by-step from fear to confidence by means of non-threatening language and active participation.
 
    A component for parents and teachers helps them to detect and respond to children who need their help, and to support the problem-solving strategies that the youngsters are learning.
 
   Newton CAP, a branch of a national program, uses a community-based approach. Community education presentations are available to adult groups upon request, and can be tailored to any audience.
 
   CAP is always looking for volunteers - contact Gail Sommer at the telephone number or email below if you're interested in learning more. The time commitment is 24 hours of training, and 4-6 hours each month during the school year. For more information about Child Assault Prevention, call Gail Sommer at (617) 969-5906 ext.143 or email at gsommer@ncscweb.org