Sexting—sending sexually explicit messages, photos, or videos—has become common among teens. While some teens may choose to sext, many feel pressured or coerced into doing so. This is a serious issue that can have emotional and psychological effects ..read more

Sexual violence is a devastating and critical issue that affects millions of young people, yet it often remains unspoken and hidden from view. The statistics are shocking and reflect the dire reality many youth face: * 1 in 9 girls and 1 in 20 boys under the age of 18 report experiencing sexual abuse or assault—according to RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network). * 82% of all victims under 18 are female—according to RAINN. * 1 in 12 teenage children experience sexual dating violence, as revealed by the 2019 CDC Youth Risk Survey. * A startling 20% increase since 2017 shows that 1 in ..read more

Keeping Kids Safe from Sexual Abuse During the Holidays: 5 Essential Tips The holiday season is a time of family gatherings, celebrations, and travel. However, it’s important to remember that these environments, while joyous, can also present unique challenges when it comes to ensuring the safety of children. During the holidays, children may be around extended family members or friends they don’t often see, making it critical to remain vigilant about their safety—particularly when it comes to preventing sexual abuse. Here are five tips to help keep kids safe from sexual abuse around the holid ..read more

Youth suicide is a devastating reality that affects countless families, schools, and communities across the nation. It’s the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10-24, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In Indiana alone, thousands of young people struggle with thoughts of suicide each year. The pain and loss caused by suicide are immeasurable, but one thing is clear: suicide is preventable ..read more

Youth suicide is a devastating reality that affects countless families, schools, and communities across the nation. It’s the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10-24, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In Indiana alone, thousands of young people struggle with thoughts of suicide each year. The pain and loss caused by suicide are immeasurable, but one thing is clear: suicide is preventable ..read more

It’s back to school time in Indiana ..read more

    As parents, we all know how to keep our kids safe in the real world: look both ways before crossing, don’t talk to strangers, and stay close in public places. But when it comes to the online world, it’s a whole new ball game. Today, our kids are more connected than ever, exploring the internet for learning and fun. However, just like in the real world, there are potential dangers online that we must be aware of. From cyberbullying to inappropriate content and online predators, the digital landscape can be daunting. Keeping our kids safe online requires different tools and strate ..read more

Maggie Ioannacci, 2024 Chaucie’s Champion We are thrilled to share some wonderful news with our community! The Indiana Center for Prevention of Youth Abuse and Suicide, previously known as Chaucie's Place, is excited to announce Maggie Ioannacci, Director of Student Services for Zionsville Community School Corporation, as the 2024 Chaucie's Champion. This prestigious award honors individuals who show outstanding dedication to prevention education, leaving a lasting impact on their community. Maggie has been a driving force in promoting child safety and mental health awareness within Zionsvill ..read more

     Ensuring the safety and well-being of children is a shared responsibility that requires awareness, education, and vigilance. One crucial aspect of this is recognizing the warning signs of a potential child sexual abuse perpetrator. By understanding these signs, we empower ourselves to take preventive measures and protect the vulnerable. Here are some key indicators to be mindful of: Excessive Interest in Children: Perpetrators may display an unusually high level of interest in children, seeking out opportunities to be alone with them or engage in activities involving chi ..read more

     Hoosier girls are not okay.    That’s the word from the 2023 Indiana Girl Report, a joint initiative of the Indiana Youth Institute and the Girl Coalition of Indiana. Girls are not okay.    As the Indiana Center for Prevention of Youth Abuse & Suicide (ICPYAS) moves into 2024, we are thinking about girls.    According to the report, “among 7th to 12th grade girls in Indiana, 47.1% experienced depression in 2022 and nearly 1 in 4 girls seriously considered suicide. Of these, more than 6,000 girls in high school moved beyond considering suic ..read more