Sexual Violence Prevention

The Washington State Legislature recognizes that every child should experience emotional and physical development that is free from abuse and neglect. Preventing sexual abuse of students in grades kindergarten through twelve requires defining and addressing the wide range of behaviors and experiences related to sexual violence, such as child sexual abuse, sexual assault, and sex trafficking.

Sexual Harassment and Assault

For more information about laws and what to do when students have experienced harassment, intimidation, bullying, and sexual assault at school please see our Equity and Civil Rights webpage.

Mandatory Reporting of Abuse & Neglect

Child Protective Services (CPS) offices in local communities are responsible for receiving and investigating reports of suspected child abuse and neglect. Local CPS personnel receive reports and assess them to determine whether each report meets the legal definition of abuse or neglect and how dangerous the situation is. Some families need assistance to keep their children and youth safe. If you suspect abuse or neglect, you should call DCYF as soon as possible, but no later than 48 hours after you become aware of suspected abuse. Any person who has cause to believe that a child has suffered abuse, or neglect should report such concerns.

People legally required to report suspected or known child abuse or neglect

• School personnel
• Medical practitioners
• Nurses
• Dentists
• Social service counselors/therapists
• Psychologists
• Medical examiners
• Pharmacists
• Child care providers
• Law enforcement officers
• Juvenile probation officers
• Corrections employees
• DSHS employees
• DCYF employees
• Placement and liaison specialists
• Responsible living skills program staff
• HOPE center staff
• WA State Office of the Family and Children's Ombuds
• Any volunteer in the Ombuds Office
• Adults residing with child suspected to have been severely abused

Regional Reporting and Abuse Prevention Information and Posters

• Region 1 Poster–Serving Chelan, Douglas, Okanogan, Grant, Ferry, Lincoln, Adams, Pend Orielle, Spokane, Whitman, Garfield, and Asotin counties
• Region 2 Poster–Serving Kittitas, Yakima, Klickitat, Benton, Franklin, Walla Walla, and Columbia counties
• Region 3 Poster–Serving Whatcom, Skagit, and Snohomish counties
• Region 4 Poster–Serving King County
• Region 5 Poster–Serving Pierce and Kitsap counties
• Region 6 Poster–Serving Clallam, Jefferson, Mason, Grays Harbor, Thurston, Pacific, Lewis, Wahkiakum, Cowlitz, Skamania, and Clark counties

School-Based Prevention

School-based prevention strategies for different types of sexual abuse vary considerably, depending on the age of the child receiving prevention services, the type of sexual abuse being addressed, and community and cultural contexts. Ultimately, all prevention strategies address power and control. OSPI uses sexual abuse as an umbrella term that includes the range of sexual abuse that may occur throughout childhood and adolescence. 

Youth-Centered Environmental Shift Program (YES!)

YES! is an innovative evidence-informed program for Washington middle schools, designed to incorporate youth input concerning school climate and culture into community-level primary prevention strategies. It aims to create protective environments and reduce rates of sexual violence victimization and perpetration within school communities.

Sexual Trafficking Prevention Education

RCW 28A.320.168 requires schools in Washington, beginning no later than the 2025-26 school year, to provide sex-trafficking awareness and prevention instruction between grades 7 and 12, ensuring each student receives instruction at least once before graduation. OSPI recommends that this instruction be part of the district's required comprehensive sexual health education instruction to ensure that related topics such as affirmative consent, healthy relationships, and boundaries are incorporated. 

Erin's Law

SHB 1539 (Erin’s Law), passed by the WA legislature in 2018, addresses child sexual abuse prevention in Washington state schools. The bill named the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) as the lead agency tasked with reviewing curricula and assisting the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) with developing a coordinated program for the prevention of child sexual abuse in grades K-12.

In 2018, OSPI completed the Erin's Law Curriculum Review with a panel of experts representing school districts and community-based sexual abuse prevention specialists and developed recommendations for schools providing sexual abuse prevention programming.

Supporting Survivors of Sexual Assault in K-12 Schools

To promote survivor-centered and trauma-informed responses to sexual assault and to support survivors of sexual assault in Washington's public schools, the 2022 WA legislature required OSPI to complete research on the best practices, review mandatory reporting laws, conduct listening session with students, update model protocols, and develop a training plan for schools. 

OSPI's legislative report outlines the work completed in partnership with Do Big Good LLC and Washington public school students between 2022 and 2023. A summary is available on Do Big Good's website with key learnings and recommendations for trauma-informed and survivor-centered school responses to sexual assault.