Oklahoma City’s The Care Center has provided its free program ROAR to metro schools and organizations to teach children about personal body safety, how to speak out against abuse and identify adults who can help. In 2020, the program was provided to more than 11,000 metro kids and 132 schools and community organizations.
In Oklahoma County, one in three girls and one in five boys will be victims of sexual assault by age 18, according to the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. Ninety percent of child sexual assault victims are perpetrated upon by someone they know, love or trust.
The Care Center is now offering the ROAR program virtually, both for organizations that serve kids and to families. Designed for kids ages 4 to 8, the educational program is based on the character Rex, a lion, who along with his animal friends, takes children on a journey to find his ROAR. The letters in ROAR make up a simple and memorable acronym that teaches kids their bodies are their own and empowers them to stand up against abuse.
Along with the virtual program, families can access a plethora of online resources, including listening to the book Rex Finds His ROAR, downloadable coloring sheets and a parent guide with information on keeping kids safe and a reminder about what ROAR stands for to create ongoing opportunities for conversation with kids.
Visit carecenter-okc.org/we-educate/
The Care Center helps kids learn to ROAR to educate them on body safety using this acronym:
R — Remember privates are private
O — OK to say no
A — Always talk about secrets
R — Raise your voice and tell someone
