Understanding and Responding to Sexual Abuse

This training will provide clinicians with an in-depth understanding of Sexual Abuse across the lifespan. Participants will explore the differences between sexual abuse, sexual assault, and other forms of sexual violence. The session will cover ethical and legal considerations, including mandated reporting and confidentiality, and offer strategies for navigating sensitive conversations with clients. Relevant resources and community support for survivors will also be reviewed.

Level: Beginner

Learning Objectives

After attending this course, participants will be able to:

• Define sexual abuse across the lifespan (child, adolescent, and adult survivors).
• Differentiate between sexual abuse, sexual assault, and other forms of sexual violence.
• Identify examples of child sexual abuse and related warning signs.
• Examine common perpetrators behaviors and grooming tactics.
• Discuss ethical and legal responsibilities, including mandated reporting and confidentiality considerations.
• Explore approaches for navigating conversations about sexual abuse with clients. Review relevant resources and community supports available to survivors.

Course Outline

9:00 am: Introduction and Overview of Course Objectives

9:10 am: Defining Sexual Abuse

9:20am: Review of Child Sexual Abuse and Warning Signs

9:35 am: Perpetrators of Sexual Abuse

9:45 am: Mandated Reporting Requirements and Ethical Considerations

10:05 am: Navigating Conversations about Sexual Abuse

10:35 am: Resources and Support Services

10:45 am: Case Discussion

About the Presenters

Veronica McDade is an advocate in the field of violence prevention, obtaining her bachelor's degree in psychology in 2020 and her master's in business administration in 2022. Since graduating she has worked at both standalone and hospital-based violence prevention programs, working with victims of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, sexual abuse, and elder abuse. Currently, Veronica works at CHANA as both a victim advocate and as the project coordinator on a federal grant funding by the Department of Justice and partnering with the National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life (NCALL). This grant focuses on leading Community Coordinated Response efforts, conducting outreach, participating in the training team, and providing direct services to clients.

Charla Spano, LMSW is a Victim Advocate at CHANA providing direct services to victims of intimate partner violence, elder abuse, and sexual abuse. Within her role at CHANA, Charla also focuses on prevention education curriculum for youth, community members, and professionals. Her prior experience includes working in a hospital-based program where she provided support and advocacy for patients experiencing intimate partner violence.

Registration & Info

This course is provided free to current Catholic Charities of Baltimore employees and for a fee to non-employees. Registration and additional information, including cost is available via Eventbrite. Registration closes at 11:59 pm on January 14, 2026 or when space is full, whichever comes first. Refunds may be requested via the Eventbrite platform until January 14, 2026 at 11:59 pm; after that date no refund will be given. Please contact Johanna Miller at jmiller@cc-md.org with any questions, concerns, or requests for special accommodations.

Course Completion & CE Info

Course completion requirements: Participants must attend the entire course and complete a course evaluation to earn CE credit. Certificates of completion will be e-mailed within 10 business days.

This course qualifies for 2 contact hours. See below for specific course approvals.

Associated Catholic Charities is authorized by the Board of Social Work Examiners in Maryland to sponsor social work continuing education learning activities and maintains full responsibility for this program. This training qualifies for 2 hours in Category 1 continuing education units.

Contact Information

Catholic Charities of Baltimore (Associated Catholic Charities)

2300B Dulaney Valley Road

Timonium, MD 21093

667-600-2000

info@cc-md.org

www.cc-md.org