(Anonymous) Guest Post As the mother of a child who was sexually abused by her father, I frequently find myself being asked questions that I consider…well… odd. But to the Foreigner [the word I use to describe someone who has no idea of the pain we’ve lived through, and praise the Lord, will never […]
Mamas (and papas), don’t let your babies grow up to be (sexual abuse) statistics.
When I was little, I invented a way to prevent childhood sexual abuse. Because I was experiencing it. Before you read about my sexual abuse solution, check out these statistics*: Nearly 70% of ALL reported sexual assaults happen to children 17 and under. 1 in 10 children will be sexually abused before age 18. Children […]
Teach Your Children Well (So they don’t become a sexual abuse statistic.)
April is National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, this topic is very important to me. And since one in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused before the age of 18 (according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), this issue should […]
#Me Too: In response to the Harvey Weinstein Situation
The second-floor room was not only packed, it was also stuffy despite the droning efforts of a small I-think-I-can-I-think-I-can window air-conditioner. Knowing anything can happen at a public open-mic event—dreadful poems about cats or pizza, 5,000 words delivered in a monotone—I considered the exit. Beside me, a writer pal rested her hand on my thigh. […]
Understanding Sexual Abuse: “Why Didn’t You Tell Someone?” and Other Questions NOT to Ask
“Why Didn’t You Tell Someone?” Yeah…no. Don’t ever ask that question of a sexual abuse survivor. From experience, I can honestly say that question will cause the victim to feel more like they’re being blamed than supported. It’s as if you’re saying, “You messed up,” rather than, “I’m here for you.” So what should you say […]
