APRIL IS CHILD ABUSE AWARENESS MONTH

Please don't hurt me

Why hurt the children? Do we stop to consider that verbal/emotional abuse harms children? It can cause scars that will remain within their minds and hearts for their entire lives. Calling a child “stupid” is inexcusable. Leading them to believe they are inferior or dispensable is abuse, plain and simple. While many take exception with me when it comes to my stand on spanking, I cannot condone striking anyone, much less a child, about the face. There is a wide chasm from correction to battery, and it is one that should never be crossed.

Have you ever stopped to consider (or perhaps you have actually been in the position) how you might react if a child approached you and shared they were being sexually abused? It might be a parent, clergy, a coach, a teacher… What do you do?

First of all, bear in mind that 44% of all sexual assault victims are under the age of 18! Reassure the child that you do not doubt them, even if you do. Be sure they know you are a safe place for them, that you have their best interest and safety at the forefront. Do not point a finger and tell them they should not lie or make up such stories as that. The chances of the molestation actually being true are much greater than you would want to believe.

Past that, I recommend you call SCSA (Stop Child Sex Abuse) or RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest Network) or visit their websites. They are the premier specialists on how to handle child abuse. But, in any event, do not ignore it.

I strongly encourage you to watch this short video. At the end are several links where you can help abused children. It’s the pictures and statements about the victims that precede those links that may be a bit difficult to bear. There are some graphic details, so be prepared to be affected! Click here to view video.

Related Articles

• April: For abused children and survivors of sexual assault (basiesboots.wordpress.com)
• Signs of Child Sexual Abuse (volunteermanual.wordpress.com)