Virginia Repertory Theatre
Presented in partnership with the Virginia Department of Social Services and Families Forward, Hugs and Kisses is Virginia’s principal and most comprehensive child sexual abuse prevention program and has been since its inception in 1983. It introduces the concepts of good touch, bad touch and secret touch to elementary school students in a sensitive and age appropriate manner through an enjoyable, award-winning musical play.
Hugs and Kisses has been shown in every school district in Virginia and has been seen by over 1.8 million children. The School of Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University independently evaluates an annual student and teacher questionnaire. The evaluation consistently proves that children learn the prevention message across all elementary school grade levels and that teachers feel more confident and competent when dealing with child sexual abuse issues.
This award-winning landmark musical play sensitively and inoffensively tells the story of a little girl who has been sexually abused. During the course of the play, the little girl and her friends learn valuable life lessons that enable her to talk to a trusted adult who can bring help.
PCAV, CHIP of Virginia and Early Impact Virginia merged to form the 501(c)(3) organization, Families Forward. Families Forward is Virginia’s leading organization dedicated to disrupting the cycle of child abuse, neglect and poverty. The organization will provide statewide leadership and unified support for 50+ Virginia affiliates through evidence-based and multi-generational prevention strategies.
Funded through the Virginia Department of Social Services and corporate and foundation sponsors.
Amber Martinez Hugs and Kisses Coordinator
(804) 783-1688 ext. 1142
amartinez@virginiarep.org
The cast of Hugs and setting up for taping the video