Major Motion Picture 'Spotlight' Brings Awareness to Child Molestation; iEmpathize Empowers Youth to Stay Safe from Exploitation
Non-profit organization provides curriculum-based programs for schools, youth groups, churches and other organizations
Non-profit organization provides curriculum-based programs for schools, youth groups, churches and other organizations
BOULDER, Colo., Oct. 28, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The major motion picture movie Spotlight is scheduled for wide release on Nov. 6, putting the subject of child molestation front and center. The non-profit organization iEmpathize (www.iEmpathize.org) seeks to educate through its ground-breaking prevention curriculum to evoke empathy and empower people to end child exploitation.
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The organization's Empower Youth Program utilizes youth experiences gathered over time and empathy-developing discussion to help youth, from seventh grade and older, navigate vulnerabilities in their lives to remain safe from a wide range of exploitation, from bullying to sex trafficking. The program includes a five-part package of short films, activities and discussion questions to help those already working with youth facilitate prevention-focused conversations about empathy and exploitation in their schools and neighborhoods.
"iEmpathize focuses on the prevention of child exploitation so children are able to better protect themselves from situations that the children in the movie Spotlight found themselves," said Candace Joice, education manager for iEmpathize. "The issue of exploitation in America, including sex trafficking and other crimes against children, is a very present reality for so many of our nation's youth. We need to educate children about prevention before another child needlessly suffers."
The movie Spotlight focuses on a team of journalists at The Boston Globe that investigate allegations against John Geoghan, an unfrocked priest accused of molesting more than 80 boys. With stars such as Rachel McAdams, Mark Ruffalo, Liev Schreiber and Michael Keaton, the movie is sure to garner significant attention.
Joice added, "We hope that this movie ignites a conversation about our nation's ongoing need to empower our youth with protective strategies."
While many prevention programs require that the host organization be present to lead the trainings, the Empower Youth Program comes in a content package consisting of a series of short films and a facilitator guide. This information can be lead by an educator, parent, youth service provider or anyone working with a teen. If support is needed, iEmpathize staff are available to provide individualized support.
To view The Empower Youth Program trailer, to obtain a copy of the program or for more information, visit www.iEmpathize.org/empower/teens. To learn more about iEmpathize, go to www.iEmpathize.org.
Media Interview Opportunity: iEmpathize can provide tips to help parents discuss these issues with their youth, warning signs for parents to be aware of, and general information to help educate families and children to help prevent these crimes. Please contact Rob Kremer at 404.218.3077 to arrange interviews.
SOURCE iEmpathize
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