COURAGE PARTY CHILDREN UNDERSTAND SURVIVE SEXUAL ASSAULT

After escaping a playground predator, a little girl learns to understand what happened and how to carry herself with pride after five older women organize a 'Courage Party' for her and share stories from their own lives. Interactions with police, pediatricians, prosecutors, victim advocates, a community rape crisis center and courthouse are depicted as Danielle learns she is more than a survivor. She is a 'crime fighter,' powered by her own truthfulness and courage, able to protect other kids in the park, with many good grownups on her side. Dani's own good grownup talks in the margins to parents about key ideas: ending conflicting messages; understanding the difference between loving adult sexual intercourse and sexual abuse; interacting with authorities; and helping your child deal with malicious gossip, taunts and jeers. Parental guide included.