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Bubbylonian Encounter
A Theatrical Production Teaching Children about Touch
Each year approximately 5,000 children in Washtenaw County learn about good touch/bad through our "Bubbylonian Encounter," a sexual abuse prevention play, performed by actors from the Ann Arbor Civic Theater, at area Kindergarten - 5th grade schools. The Washtenaw Area Council for Children has been conducting this program in Washtenaw County since 1987. It is available to any school free of charge.
The results of the sexual abuse of children are both devastating for the child and extended families, and costly in terms of out-of-home placement and incarceration. Statistics from the National Committee for the Prevention of Child Abuse indicate that as many as 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys may either experience sexual abuse or be approached for abuse by the time they are 18. Children are particularly vulnerable. They lack a vocabulary to describe the mistreatment, and their lack of experience may lead them to believe this behavior is normal. Because society places value on obedience by children, children are often reluctant or afraid to tell an adult about inappropriate touch and, unfortunately, children are not always believed. Add to this the value that children themselves often place on their ability to "keep a secret," and uncovering abuse and providing assistance can be difficult.
The purpose of "Bubbylonian Encounter" is to empower children by teaching them that they have the right to make decisions concerning their own bodies, and that telling a trusted adult about inappropriate touch is the right thing to do. Because the people who abuse children are not always strangers, this can be a very difficult message to convey. However, as Bub, the alien character, learns the difference between "good" and "bad" touch, the children learn this lesson, too. Her experiences in "Bubbylonian Encounter" teach children that sexual abuse is wrong and against the law, and, most importantly, that sexual abuse is never the fault of the child. Bub's message is backed up by in-service training for teachers that covers child abuse recognition, the proper response to disclosures of abuse, and their responsibilities as mandated reporters of abuse to Child Protective Services, as well as parent informational meetings prior to each performance.
We would like to thank our sponsors for making the Bubbylonian Encounter possible. For 2004-05, our sponsors include:
To schedule a performance at your school or other venue, fill out the online request form by clicking here, or call our office.
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