As part of our work, we constantly hear this, especially from parents -” Why didn’t my child talk about the abuse earlier?”.”Why did they keep quiet about it for so long ?”
Do not ask that question of the victim and DO NOT BLAME THEM OR YOURSELF for something beyond their control.
WHY CHILDREN DON’T SPEAK OUT AGAINST ABUSE
“He said he would kill my parents.”
“He said she would hurt my sibling.
“She said it was a game.”
“He told me it has to be a secret.”
“I did, and my mom told me to stop lying.”
“I was afraid my dad would kill him.”
“HE SAID IT WAS MY FAULT.”
“She said she was teaching me.”
“My parents thought he was the nicest guy.”
“It was embarrassing to tell anyone.”
“I was scared She said she would kill herself.”
“She said she loved me.”
“He said he would do it to my little sister if I didn’t. ”
“WE NEVER TALKED ABOUT THIS KIND OF STUFF AT HOME.”
“I did not want my family to have issues with my relative.”
“He said he would kill my dog.”
“HE SAID PEOPLE WOULD MAKE FUN OF MY FAMILY.
“I didn’t know it was an unsafe touch.”
1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys are affected by sexual abuse.The abuser could be anyone.
IT IS TIME WE TALK ABOUT IT.LOOSEN THE HOLD OF THE PREDATOR BY BREAKING THE SILENCE.
Courtesy- mamabear effect.