April 20, 2026
Saprea Shares Findings from A Statewide Evaluation of Sexual Abuse Prevention Education in Utah K-6 Schools
Lehi, UT — Saprea released the findings of a statewide evaluation of child sexual abuse prevention education in Utah's K–6 schools. The report, Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Education in Utah K-6 Schools: A Statewide Program Evaluation, highlights a striking gap between the high incidence of staff training around sexual abuse and the corresponding education provided to students and parents. These findings raise important considerations about how Utah's schools are implementing prevention education opportunities in their programming, and how these efforts can be improved.
Between November and December 2025, Saprea staff attempted phone contact with all 701 Utah elementary schools serving K–6 students to capture a snapshot of efforts in schools across the state to deliver prevention education and training for staff, parents, and students.
“It was a huge undertaking to reach out to every school serving K-6 students in our state. We appreciated the candor of the school administrators and staff who were willing to share with us about the current realities their schools are facing, their ongoing efforts, and where improvements can be made.”
—Mishelle Kehoe-Seamons, Education and Research Specialist, Saprea
Encouragingly, 90% of schools reported offering child sexual abuse prevention training to staff, a figure that held steady regardless of whether schools were urban or rural, public, or private, or Title I or non-Title I designation. Saprea found that most schools reported delivering this training annually, and many have embedded it into their new-hire onboarding.
Despite this, only 48% of schools reported offering any form of sexual abuse prevention education to students and/or parents. This finding represents a missed opportunity to protect children through one of the most critical prevention tools available. In Utah, 1 in 7 children will experience sexual abuse before age 18—a rate higher than the national average.
“These findings highlight both the obligation and opportunity that educators have to provide sexual abuse prevention education. We know schools have high demands on their time and resources. We hope that prevention education can be included in more schools as updated sexual abuse prevention curriculum materials are approved and provided.”
—Brian Walker, Research and Outcomes Manager, Saprea
Against this backdrop, Saprea recommends Utah schools and districts closely examine how they are working to adhere to state statutes which mandate that all K–6 schools provide sexual abuse prevention training to staff and parents at least once every other year.
Within the past year, Saprea has joined other respected organizations in the SAFE Child Coalition in providing high-quality prevention education to equip educators, families, and communities with the tools needed to protect children and prevent abuse.
Free Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Education for Parents
Saprea offers free class using Utah State Board of Education (UBSE) approved materials for adults that provides an overview of the issue of child sexual abuse in Utah. This class equips participants with the knowledge and tools needed to reduce risk and take preventative action. Attendees will learn to recognize perpetrator traits, grooming behaviors, signs of abuse, and the lasting effects of abuse.
Class discussions and materials provide practical steps for prevention through open communication, education, monitoring, and support. Participants will also learn how to respond appropriately if abuse is disclosed, including how to build trust and fulfill mandatory reporting responsibilities.
Contact Jocelyn Rios at jrios@saprea.org to request a free class!
Saprea invites all K–6 schools across Utah to reflect on their current implementation and take steps to offer child sexual abuse prevention education to all key stakeholders. State education leaders are also encouraged to provide clearer, more consistent guidance to help schools navigate this responsibility with confidence.
For questions about implementing or funding prevention education at your school location, contact the USBE Prevention Specialist - Phone: (801) 538-7913
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