Recognition and prevention of sexual grooming in youth work
2020
Recognition and prevention of sexual grooming in youth work
The last few months are passing by in Koordinaatti’s “Recognition and prevention of sexual grooming in youth work " project. We have been busy organising training events, writing a guidebook, recording podcasts and shooting videos.
As is the case with many projects around the world, COVID-19 has changed our plans. We had to turn the training events into an online training format. All training events this far have been successful, and we have reached a remarkable number of youth workers. Participants feel that they have received important tips and new ideas for their daily work, thus the project has proven its importance.
“Based on the feedback, we can say that all training events and webinars were a success. We have seen from the feedback that self-study material for youth workers is needed to strengthen their competences,” project manager Mika Pietilä says.
Some of the needs will be met by the project’s guidebook, videos and podcasts. For example, in the guidebook and the videos, we introduce how to plan and include the prevention of sexual grooming in existing functions and work plans. The podcasts are more about talking around the project’s topic and answering common questions.
“We have been able to reach many youth workers, other professionals and volunteers who work with young people. We still have many things to do as the project is not finished yet,” project coordinator Merja-Maaria Oinas says.
Both Pietilä and Oinas feel there are still plenty of things to do in Finland related to the subject. They share an understanding of the need for training and educational materials for youth workers.
“I’ve learned that many people don’t realise how common sexual harassment and violence is among young people. It’s surprising for many to realise that it exists and it’s not something rare, especially in online environments. Youth workers are very motivated to educate themselves and learn more. The lack of concrete plans and acts in organisation has been a surprise for me. There’s a need for new procedures locally and nationally,” Oinas said.
There is no doubt that raising awareness about the sexual grooming of young people is very much needed, even after the project in Finland. Oinas mentions that the Ministry of Education and Culture is launching a project related to the issue between several ministries.
“After the project, we will continue with the topic as part of a new national centre of expertise for digital youth work,” project manager Pietilä focuses on the future.
Koordinaatti is managing the project with the support of seven youth work organisations. There are only two full-time workers in the project.
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For more information on this project, please contact: Mika.Pietila@ouka.fi
