Child Pornography Hurts. Not only is that the name of the organization founded by Charlene Doak-Gebauer, it’s also their message. CPH is a ‘registered Canadian charity working to help victims of child pornography become survivors.’
CPH has been around for two years and is based out of London. They attend as well as through many information sessions, dinners, and speaking occasions.
Their most recent event featured 3 keynote speakers that addressed parents and guardians about internet safety and preventative measures that can be taken to assure your child’s safety online.
The speakers included Cliff Ford, a father who busted a child pornography ring in Ohio using his daughter’s Facebook page, Jeff Gray, a retired OPP Detective Constable who spoke about the Criminal Code and its relation to child pornography, and Charlene herself.
Charlene told the story about her niece being a victim of child pornography at the age of four. She then went on what Charlene calls a ‘textbook case’ of drugs, abusive relationships including prostitution, before being killed by a drunk driver at the age of 22. After her death Charlene said it was time to do something for her and the family in order to make sure it doesn’t happen again, and Child Pornography Hurts was born.
“The difference between CPH and everyone else is we focus on parents and guardians, not just children.”
Charlene says this approach is relatively fresh to the idea of stomping out pedophiles. She goes on to say that there are tons of resources and lessons taught to children about internet safety, but not enough for parents and she wants to help them.
“At the end of the day parents love their kids and want the best for them. What we want to do is make sure the parents know how to handle their child’s screen time.”
CPH will next be at the Agriplex on November 23 for Agri-Net at the Western Fair District.
