08/11/2020
*EDITED TO ADD - 3 million+ people have seen this post - crazy! It is not all of the information needed to prevent abuse and molestation, it wasn’t intended to be. This is a specific, pointed statement at those right in our own families who harbor and protect spouse/child beaters, p**ophiles, and abusers.*
Ok, so you really, actually want to stop pe******ia and child abuse? Stop everything and read this. There is a way to help kids stay safe and to give them a way out with trusted adults who are fully in their corner for life. I’m so tired of the hashtags (which most people sharing won’t even take action like this in their own circle) and the conspiracy theories - actually BE the difference in a child’s life. They’re everywhere, and you are staying silent about someone YOU KNOW.
After coming across this list, I couldn’t help but share it because it’s about real lives at stake.
“1. You can help stop pe******ia by not protecting and harboring your family p**o or abuser. Call them out. Make them uncomfortable. People who do stupid things tend to do stupid things because a ‘community’ somewhere has made them feel like their behavior is acceptable. I don’t care if it’s your brother, uncle, grandma, or child. Don’t tolerate it. WARN OTHERS ABOUT THEM. If you know your family abuser/p**o is around unsuspecting women or children, SAY SOMETHING.
Report, report, report.
Don’t keep the family secret.
2. Auntie/uncle trying to force a hug out of a child relative? CALL IT OUT. Auntie/uncle might not be a p**o but the child will learn they have a right to say no and that their autonomy is protected.
3. Talk to children about their interactions. Ask them if they feel comfortable around anyone and everyone. Preschool teacher, Grandma, child friends, cousins... e v e r y o n e, no matter how innocent and unassuming they seem.
Have an open line of communication and get ahead of the tactics they’ll use to manipulate women and children.
“Sometimes people who do really bad things might say things to scare you away from talking to Mommy or Daddy, but they’re lying. When you talk to Mommy or Daddy, we’re able to protect you. You’ll never be left alone with or have to see that person again.”
“Safe adults never ever ask you to keep secrets.”
“NO ONE, not even Mommy or Daddy, is allowed to touch your body without your permission. If you’ve given permission, you’re allowed to change your mind.”
..And put it into action. Not only words. Actions. Show them with your parenting, in day to day life, they have autonomy. Prove to your children they can talk to you and that you WILL protect them anytime their autonomy is violated.
55% of sexual abuse cases occur in the victim’s home.
12% occur at a relative’s home.
93% of victims know their abuser.” - Callie Doss
Even more amazing info here from a righteously powerful woman:
https://www.facebook.com/1306931617/posts/10217840814634506/?d=n
It starts at home, and it starts with you.
