Daisy Tells a Secret DVD includes sex abuse prevention resources for kids, parents

August 5, 2010 – One of Us Films today announced the release of "Daisy Tells a Secret," an animated story about personal safety and body ownership for children four to eight years old.

The DVD includes interviews with psychology, safety and medical experts with the aim of helping adults navigate age appropriate conversations with children on the challenging subject of sexual abuse. The DVD was commissioned by HAVEN, which provides domestic violence and sexual assault treatment and prevention services in southeastern Michigan.

“Daisy tells her story of being sexually assaulted,” reports HAVEN’s President and CEO Beth Morrison. “Within that story, she's able to talk about sensitive issues while relating to kids in a comfortable and safe manner. In the video, Daisy learns the difference between a good secret and a bad secret and she helps kids take ownership of their bodies by being aware of what's appropriate and inappropriate in terms of touching.”

With financial support from the Verizon Foundation, HAVEN commissioned One of Us Films to produce the "Daisy Tells a Secret" for prevention educational programming. HAVEN presently uses Daisy the Raven as their mascot in their successful prevention education programs throughout southeast Michigan. This film takes the message to a national audience.

Two versions of the instructional DVDs have been produced--one for parents that retails for $19.95 each and one for use by schools, educators, healthcare providers, and daycare and prevention centers that is available for $49.95 to $195.95. The animation is available in English and Spanish, and a specially edited American Sign Language version. DVD excerpts and purchasing instructions are available at daisytellsasecret.com.

Materials on the DVDs include photos depicting good, bad and “mixed-up” touches, a discussion tip sheet and coloring pages. Supporting materials are also available at daisytellsasecret.com

Director Lora Probert guided animation and DVD content by working closely with HAVEN's Director of Prevention Education, Cristy Cardinal. “It's a difficult subject and can be uncomfortable for adults,” says Probert. “Hopefully, Daisy makes it easier for kids and their parents to talk about it.”

Novi Police Detective Mark Boody appears in the DVD, advising parents of steps they can take to help protect their kids. “Let them know that it's okay to talk,” he says, “that they can disclose if something has happened to them without the fear that they've done something wrong or that they're in trouble.”

One of Us Films is a Detroit-based media production and distribution company. Learn more about the company at oneofusfilms.org

HAVEN is a nationally recognized non-profit that has been giving hope a voice by working towards eliminating domestic violence and sexual assault for thirty five years. The non-profit offers treatment and prevention services as well as educational programs across Oakland County and the surrounding communities. For more information about programs and services visit haven-oakland.org, or call (248)334-1284.