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Red Flags

4/6/2011

Children are volunerable. They depend on us for for their safety and well being. We think that we are protecting our children by knowing who is in their lives, yet danger lingers closer than we realize. 90% of children who are sexually abused actually know the perpetrator in some way. They could be babysitters, neighbors, camp counslors, or even relatives. Studies show that 68% of children are abused by their own family members.

Signs of sexual abuse are not as visible as those who are physically abused. Here is just a small example of some of the warning signs that you should look for:

*Your child suddenly has fear about visiting a specific person or place
*Nightmares or unexplained trouble with sleeping/eating
*Receives money/toys/gifts from a person for no reason
*Does not want to remove clothing for bathing, getting dressed
*Regresses in toileting issues

Please note that these are red flags that we should be aware of in children, and not necessarily a definate reason for the specific behaviors. If you ever suspect that your child is in danger your should talk with your doctor about your concerns. Keeping your ears and eyes open should always be your first line of defense, and be sure to listen to what your childs body language is telling you.

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Last night of Writing Course

4/5/2011

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Monday concluded our 5 week session for writing memoirs. I learned a lot through the course and made some new friends along the way. In the end I walked away with valuable information from the teacher and great suggestions from my peers that I plan on applying towards my book. I was thrilled when one my classmates suggested that we continue to get together weekly to work on our books together. Our plan is to keep working towards our connection with the literary world!

I would like to wish all my classmates good luck in their future endevours. Some of them are hoping for publication while others just wish to fill their time and family memories, but all of them are very talented with beautiful stories to share.

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Would you tell?

4/3/2011

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Fact: A woman is raped every 2 minutes in America.
Fact: The FBI estimates that only 37% of these cases are ever reported to the police.

Sex crimes are increasing at an alarming speed because too many victims are afraid to tell someone. They feel embarassed and fear that they will be blamed for what has happened to them. This silence too often will dominate their lives.

Those who do not report their sex crimes will often suffer from depression, anxiety, low self esteem, panic attacks, and flashbacks. They seek out self destructive behaviors as a way to cope, such as substance abuse or even suicide attempts.

It's easy to read the stastitics and pass judgement on those who choose to keep their silence. But what if it happened to you? Would you be able to look at your spouse/friends/family and tell them that your body had been violated? Think about how hard it would be for a child to articulate these words.

For those who have spoken up, I commend you. It takes a brave soul to disclose abuse, and even greater strength to seek out help so that you can regain your life. If you are struggling with the decision to open up, I offer you my encouragement. There are so many others who are in similar situations as you are and each one of them would understand and support you. Please reach out to somebody, somewhere.

If you ever suspect that a child is being abused, TELL SOMEONE!!! You may be the hero that this child has been wishing for that could save them.

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Steps

4/2/2011

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We all started out taking baby steps in our lives. At first we learned to walk, then we took small steps again while learning how to ride a bike and roller skate. Little by little we mastered our goals by perservering. But what do you do when suddenly your skills are taken from you? What if suddenly you lost your abilty to trust people, or lack the self confidence to believe in yourself anymore. This is what most sexual abuse survivors are forced to deal wtih...their ability is gone.

I can only imagine the strength that it takes for a survivor to get out of bed each day knowing that they would have to face the world. I give them a lot of credit. Each morning they put their feet on the floor and take another step towards their recovery. Maybe today will be the day that they feel safe enough to step out of their home for the first time since the attack. Maybe today they will put their tissues away because they have stopped crying.
Maybe today will be the day that they tell their secret so that they no longer feel alone. They are all steps in the right direction, and must be taken at one's own pace.

Recovery is a process. When you were learning to walk, you fell down and cried, but you picked yourself up and tried again. Survivors struggle with this every day. It takes time, patience, and determination. It may take some survivors years before they can mentally step towards their future without letting the past dictate their lives, but each step that they take should be applauded.

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Children with disabilities are 4-10 times volunerable to sexual abuse

4/1/2011

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Sexual abuse is the silent epidemic that is rising at alarming numbers. Because of the shame & embarassment of the nature of the crime, people are hesitant to tell anyone. But what about those who may not be able to speak or those who have limited access to the world. Children with disabilities are 4 to 10 times more volunerable to sexual abuse than their non disabled peers. Often the perpretrator is someone that they know, or their caregiver. They are viewed as easy prey because they are easily intimidated or tricked into keeping silent. The legal system may not offer these victims any justice because they are not reliable witnesses in court so they don't persure legal action. Please help these children. If you even suspect that a chid is being abused, speak up. You do not need to have proof to place a hotline call. The number in New York is: 1-800-342-3720.

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Red Flags

Last night of Writing Course

Would you tell?

Steps

Children with disabilities are 4-10 times volunerable to sexual abuse

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