Prevention Education

Now celebrating its 50th year, Rape Advocacy, Counseling & Education Services (RACES) is continuing to expand its programs and services. With the expansion of our Sexual Violence Prevention Education Program, we now have specific programs tailored to K through 12th grade, as well as community members. All of these programs are:

Free
Evidence-informed
Adhere to CDC Guidelines
Contain age-appropriate material
Meet Erin’s law requirements
Meets National Sexuality Education Standards
Meets Illinois State Board of Education Physical Health & Health Performance Descriptors
Meet Illinois State Board of Education Social Emotional Learning Performance Descriptors

Our programs align with Illinois State Board of Education Standards.

To learn more about the specific programs, please see the program list below.

If you are interested in utilizing RACES for your Sexual Violence Prevention Education efforts, please fill out this interest form. This will allow us to follow up with your agency about specific services. If you have specific questions or concerns, please e-mail prevention@cu-races.org

Request a Program

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Which program(s) are you interested in? Which program(s) are you interested in? K-5th: Second Step 6th: Boundaries Matter 7th: Safer Relationships 8th: Dating Without Violence 9th-12th: I ♥ Consent Adults: Parents, Caregivers, Educators and Community: Stewards of Children

What are the dates you are interested in? Please provide primary and secondary dates.

Education Programs

Pre-K – 5th Grade

Adapted from the Second Step curriculum, this program provides students with essential tools and skills, such as recognizing safe and unsafe touches, always asking a trusted adult for permission first, knowing how to talk to a trusted adult, saying no in uncomfortable or unsafe situations, and learning how to report. It is evidence-informed and includes age-appropriate scenarios, role-playing, and interactive discussions. An optional take-home activity allows children to engage with their parents or caregivers. Teachers are encouraged to continue the conversation with students before and after the program and complete training on how to respond to disclosures of sexual assault.

6th Grade

Boundaries Matter introduces students to key concepts that help protect against sexual and dating violence. The program begins by exploring how gender stereotypes can impact boundaries. Then, students learn how to set and assert their own boundaries while respecting others’ boundaries. Finally, the program addresses boundaries in relation to social media and technology. This knowledge equips students to build healthy relationships, whether romantic or non-romantic, including with friends, family, and classmates.

7th Grade

Safer Relationships is a sexual violence and dating violence prevention program that builds on the skills introduced in Boundaries Matter. The lessons focus on three main topics: sexual harassment, healthy relationships, and communication. Students will explore the elements of a healthy relationship and discuss communication skills for positive conflict resolution. They will also learn how to respect others’ boundaries and identify and prevent sexual harassment. This program helps students create respectful, equitable relationships—both romantic and non-romantic—and better articulate their own boundaries.

8th Grade

Dating Without Violence introduces students to foundational concepts about consent and sexual violence, building on the healthy relationship concepts taught in Safer Relationships. This program teaches students what consent is (and what it isn’t), how to identify and prevent dating violence, and how to combat common misconceptions about sexual violence. Additionally, it equips students with skills to develop healthy relationships and access support if they or a friend are in an unhealthy relationship or experience abuse.

9-12th Grade

I ♥ Consent is a prevention curriculum designed for 9th through 12th graders. This program teaches students a clear and nuanced definition of consent, strategies for being active bystanders during moments of escalation, and tools for supporting survivors of sexual assault and violence. Additionally, it provides information about school and community resources. The program engages students through various activities, handouts, exercises, and discussions.