04/07/2025
This is for survivors. For parents. And for those who still minimise.
In light of recent news about sexual abuse in childcare centres, I need to say this clearly: THIS IS NOT RARE; HE JUST GOT CAUGHT.
As a psychologist with over 15 years of experience in child sexual abuse and trauma recovery, I see and hear the consequences every single day in my practice, from toddlers who can’t sleep, to adults who still flinch at being touched.
In Australia alone, one report of sexual misconduct in a daycare is made EVERY SINGLE DAY. And that’s only what gets noticed. That’s only what gets reported.
Babies and toddlers have no language for abuse. They are the easiest targets.
These reports rarely make headlines. Daycare centres rebrand. Parents often aren’t even told. This has been happening, quietly and consistently, for decades.
And then we hear things like: "Children are so resilient." No. Not like this.
The overusage of the word 'resilience' allows for a cover up of the consistent systemic failings of adults, caregivers, and institutions (from child care centres, to church camps and hopsitals). Yes, resilience is real, but it’s not a get-out-of-jail-free card for our collective failure. It’s not a shield. It’s not healing.
Often, it’s a mask for hypervigilance, dissociation, or learned compliance.
Let’s stop using the word "resilience" as a bandaid on a gunshot wound.
Children don’t need to be more resilient. They need to be safe 🤍.
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