Yesterday we pointed to a recent study about how the media is missing a major opportunity to talk about prevention of child sexual abuse. Well occasionally we see a really well done piece that actually focuses entirely on prevention and showcases what a community is doing to protect children. One such piece by WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham, NC, aired yesterday featuring the efforts of the Chapel Hill – Carrboro YMCA. Congratulations to Kim Grooms and the entire staff at the Y for taking on the important work of prevention in their community. And congrats to WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham on a really well done and informative piece.
What are the signs of a toddler being sexually abused?
I wish there was more publicity awareness of childhood sexual abuse. It is so underground and remains the biggest secret ever. I wrote a memoir about my life with abuse. I wish I could speak out to educate others who should know about this subject. Those people would be parents, interested people, teachers, doctors, nurses, social workers, dentists, and many more. My book is called, AS IF IT DIDN’T HAPPEN: A MEMOIR OF ABUSE, MULTIPLE PERSONALITIES AND HOPE. If anyone knows where I can speak I would love it. Oh, the book is by Maggie Claire, my writing name.
To learn more about signs of child sexual abuse and steps to take to prevent child sexual abuse we would suggest you take either our online training or find a training near you. You can visit the following link to learn more information:
http://www.D2L.org/Stewards
Charlotte…
I agree with Erika that taking the Stewards training would be a great thing to do. If you are concerned right now about a child, you can call your nearest children’s advocacy center (CAC) to discuss your concerns. They will be able to guide you in discerning if there is a problem and how to then respond to it.
In all children there may be physical signs (rashes, redness, genital warts, UTIs, to name a few) or there may be none. Any change in behaviors (withdrawal, depression, anxieties, reluctance to be around a particular person, for instance) can also be a sign.
I encourage you to take the Stewards training (it was the 2007 Crime Prevention Program of the Year) and to reach out to those specialists near you who can help you keep this child, and others, safe.
All the best,
Susan Komisar Hausman