Predator Awareness Task Force
Studies show that individuals living with developmental disabilities are far more likely to become victims of abuse than their non-disabled peers. Sadly, very few of these incidents are reported to the authorities, and they often occur continuously over extended periods of time. Even more alarming is the fact that many perpetrators of abuse are well known to, and trusted by, the victims.
In 2006, SCOE’s Special Education Department and the North Bay Regional Center (NBRC) came together to form the Predator Awareness Task Force (PATF) in an effort to reduce the risk of victimization among individuals with developmental disabilities. This collaboration was initiated in response to a series of incidents involving mutual clients who became victims of molestation, prostitution, rape, and other forms of abuse.
Our mission is to reduce the risk of victimization for people with
developmental disabilities through education and advocacy
Today the Task Force has grown to include representatives from a variety of local stakeholder groups (see list at right). The Task Force’s goal is to gather, create, and disseminate appropriate information to reduce the risk of victimization for people with developmental disabilities. Thus far, several resources have been developed – from parent guides to training resources – and all are available below at no cost.
In the past, PATF has collaborated with local law enforcement to provide an Internet safety presentation for young adults with special needs. Prevention educators from Verity have provided a series of presentations on healthy relationships and abuse prevention. PATF has also worked with Alchemia, a nonprofit agency providing theatrically-based services for adults with special needs, to create live musical dramas addressing issues related to safety awareness. These performances were made available at the 6th Street Playhouse, a local theater.
The Task Force is continually working to identify trends, needs, and resources to reduce victimization and help empower individual with disabilities through awareness and skill development.
The Predator Awareness Task Force is a dynamic example of what a collaborative effort between city, county, business, and nonprofit service providers can accomplish when they join forces to identify concerns, educate, and support citizens in our community who are too often targeted as victims.
General Resources
Resources are provided as PDFs unless noted otherwise.
Predator Awareness Task Force Brochure
Curriculum Resource Guide for Special Education Teachers
Keeping Your Child Safe: A Parent’s Guide
Resources for Age-of-Majority Clients
Training Resources
Instructor Guidelines
Community Resources, Sonoma County
Please note: The PowerPoint files below are available as read-only presentations. When opening the files, you will be given the option to enter a password or open as Read Only. Please select the Read Only option. No password is necessary to use the presentation, but it cannot be modified.
Community Safety
Outline and Training Objectives
PowerPoint Presentation (ppt)
People You Trust
Harassment Log
Participant Evaluation
Instructor Evaluation
Financial Safety
Outline and Training Objectives
PowerPoint Presentation (ppt)
What to do if Someone Calls
People You Trust
Getting on the Do Not Call List
Tips to Protect Your Money
Participant Evaluation
Instructor Evaluation
Public Transit Safety
Outline and Training Objectives
PowerPoint Presentation (ppt)
People You Trust
In Case of Emergency
Participant Evaluation
Instructor Evaluation
Contact
