Caddo Sheriff’s Office inviting parents to learn the RED FLAGS of child sex abuse

CADDO PARISH, La. (KSLA) - The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office has launched a new workshop series for parents/guardians, teachers, and people in the community to help them recognize the warning signs of child sex abuse.

The event is called RED FLAGS 101, and it’s designed to help people take proactive steps to prevent child sexual abuse. The first session was held Monday, Aug. 25.

The sheriff’s office says they decided to start this workshop in response to Lucas Logan’s arrest for the alleged rape of a child.

“As much as we preach safety about strangers and that’s important, the reality is most victims are not victimized by strangers. They’re victimized by somebody they know,” Lt. Doug Smith with the sheriff’s office said.

The investigation into the Logan case is ongoing.

“When assistant chief found out what was going on about that incident, she came straight to us and said, ‘Hey, we need to come up with a class.’ Like literally that day, we started working on it and within 24 hours, we were ready to get these classes going,” said Lt. Katasha Terrell with the sheriff’s office.

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Officials say the course will help people identify certain behaviors that could signal abuse is going on, such as:

• Changes in behavior
• Fear of certain people
• Lack of boundaries
• Avoidance of physical contact
• Gifts or secrets from adults
• Sexualized behavior or knowledge beyond age

Those who notice any of the above behaviors in kids should:

• Engage in open conversation
• Document any unusual events or comments

The sheriff’s office says in the U.S., one in every nine girls and one in every 20 boys experience sexual abuse or assault before they turn 18. And most of the time, the victim knows their abuser.

The sheriff’s office is holding two more upcoming sessions. All sessions will be held at Sheriff’s Safety Town (8910 Jewella Ave.).

DATES & TIMES

• Saturday, Sept. 20
  • 1 to 3 p.m.
• Thursday, Sept. 25
  • 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

To reserve a spot for the class, contact Deputy Vernita Williams at 318-681-0869, or email vernita.williams@caddosheriff.org.