Tulsa author Sharon Doty will speak at McAlester Public Library at 6:30 p.m. Thursday about her work in child sexual abuse prevention. Her talk, the third presentation in the Novel Destinations summer reading program for adults, will feature material from both Ms. Doty’s books.
“A book for adults who want to learn about the warning signs of potential predators is called ‘Evil in Our Midst,’” Ms. Doty noted.” The book brings the grooming techniques used by offenders out in the open, and provides adults with tools they need to recognize these risky behaviors and interrupt the process. Another book, designed for parents who want to learn how to talk to their children about these issues, is called ‘Keeping Them Safe.’”
The author has spoken internationally on this issue, and has created manuals for child sexual abuse prevention programs. Her website, www.mmdkconsulting.net, features more about her company, which also uses interactive theater to teach important safety lessons.
An advocate for abused children for more than 40 years, Ms. Doty recently chaired a team which created a child abuse prevention program that has been implemented in more than 100 U.S. Catholic dioceses.
Ms. Doty graduated with distinction with a Juris Doctorate from the OU College of Law. She has a Master’s Degree in Human Relations as well as a diploma from the OU College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, in Interdisciplinary Training in Child Abuse and Neglect. Her family has roots in McAlester history as well.
“The last time I was in McAlester…was for the dedication of the monument to the fallen coal miners. My family members were guests of honor on the dais with Speaker Albert that day and were proud to be part of the history of this great city,” she said.
“I am the great granddaughter of Peter Hanraty, former Mayor of McAlester. ‘Grandpa Pete’ was a labor organizer and advocate for the coal miners. He was ousted on a recall vote spearheaded by the mine owners,” Ms. Doty said.
“He was also the vice-chair of the Oklahoma Constitutional Convention and president of the United Mine Workers. I am very proud of his advocacy for working people and take those principles and that tenaciousness into my efforts as an advocate for abused and neglected children and those at risk of being molested.”
Refreshments will be provided at the program, set for the library’s Whiteacre Room. At the close of the program, there will be a drawing for a door prize, and copies of Ms. Doty’s books will be available for purchase.
The final segment of the library’s adult summer reading program is called “Close to Home Destinations” and kicks off July 28 with Tom Crowl’s historical presentation about J.J. McAlester, called “J.J. McAlester and a Tale of Two Cities.” Summer reading events will conclude August 20. McAlester Public Library is located at 401 N. 2nd.
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