IntroductionThe purpose of this document is to provide counselors with an accurate analysis of prevention programs that have been implemented to protect elementary-aged children from sexual abuse. This article will discuss the benefits and limitations of various prevention programs and provide tips for counselors to help them sort through the research. It is important for counselors to understand what programs work and what aspects of those programs are most effective. This article will also discuss ways counselors can educate communities at risk for child sexual abuse. According to Miller-Perrin and Wurtele (1988), there are three types of prevention programs: primary, secondary and tertiary. Programs that aim to educate children about sexual abuse and equip them with tools on how to avoid risky situations and the importance of disclosure are considered to have one primary goal. Programs that train professionals to identify signs of abuse are secondary programs. The third category, tertiary, describes programs that treat child victims of therapy (Miller-Perin & Wurtele, 1988). For the purposes of this document, the term programs or prevention programs will refer to those that have a primary goal.BackgroundDefining Sexual AbuseThere is an ongoing debate regarding the definition of child sexual abuse. This phrase has been used in numerous studies and discussed in various disciplines, including medicine, education, social work, and the legal system. Although it is widely recognized, its definition continues to differ within these contexts, making it difficult to determine which behaviors constitute the label of sexual abuse (Haugaard...... middle of article. .....child sexual abuse, child abuse & Neglect, Volume 17, Number 1, January-February 1993, pages 67-70, Finkelhor, Asdigian, Dzibuba-letherman (1995). of Victimization for Children: A Follow-up, 85(12), 1684-1689. Andrews, B. (1995). doi:10.1037/0021-843X. 104.2.277Margot Taal, Monique Edelaar, Positive and negative effects of a child sexual abuse prevention program, Child Abuse & Neglect, Volume 21, Number 4, April 1997, Pages 399-410. ,Leclerc B, Wortley R, Smallbone S. (2011 ). Victim resistance in child sexual abuse: an examination of the effectiveness of self-protection strategies based on the offender's experience. Journal of Interpersonal Violence. 26 (9), 1868-1883.