With child abuse continuing on the rise, it's so important for parents to be aware of (Whom: their child is with. Where: their child is, and the company around that child. How: the child will be cared for ( meaning the responsible adult) :When the child will be returning home (Parent should have the last voice). What: the child is wearing( this can't be stressed enough). Our children depends on us for their safety and trust, we should always be aware of their changing behavior for clues of abuse. Withdrawing from you or someone they are in contact with, loss of interest for favorite things to do or eat. Child seems depressed, jumpy, scared or inattentive. To help aide in the end of child abuse, parents need to be able to open up and speak about it to their children and other adults. This conversation is not easy when brought before children, but it is necessary for our children to become safe. Our society has become to comfortable with voicing topics of less importance over the protection of our children, and This change is vital to their well being and safety. We speak to them about drugs, drinking and sex, but never about sexual abuse or abuse as a whole. This topic should be no different. It has just as much importance to their lives if not more than the previous. It too, can and will change their lives forever in so many areas, and many times leading to their demise. Consider the statistics from Darkness to Light. "One in four girls will be sexually abused before the age of eighteen, and one in six boys. This should not be tolerated or pushed aside. It takes courage and responsibility to step out on this issue, to be addressed to family, friends and our children. There are so many avenues open in our society to address this issue and books are one of them. A good book on and/or about the subject can help our children feel safe, know they are not alone in such a situation, and feel comfortable about opening up to parents, and speak about the abuse that may be plaguing their lives, redirecting their futures. We can help our children realize they have a wonderful support net, ways of prevention and people who are committed to keeping them safe and healthy. Become an advocate for the children and donate your time, skills, knowledge, stories and love which can save them from this heinous act. For the month of April, commit to saving one child in volunteering, creating a story book to help, financial support to organizations, observance for children suspected of abuse, visiting your local organizations for more information on ways to help. The children can be saved with the right help. With loving and committed hearts to keep them safe. learn the seven steps of child abuse prevention and share it with family, friends and your children. Find age appropriate material for discussion. Educate yourself to be well informed, so you can be another protector added to the ladder of prevention and safety for the children. Visit these links to hear and learn more of how you can protect your loved ones and others. http://www.darkness2light.org/ and http://www.marysbookplace.com/media-room.html join your local child abuse council, and myself in this fight, and lets help save a child so they can...
Snatch Joy!!!
Hugs and Kisses reviews
Published author tackles difficult subject of child abuse
By Clayton Hardiman
Muskegon Chronicle
The upcoming Mary Muhammad book signing held at the Muskegon Heights Public Library was about lititure and more.
Muhammad who has recently published a trio of books, including a debut book of poetry, was on hand at the Muskegon Heights branch Library to sign copies of her books. She was also joined by representatives of the Child Abuse council of Muskegon, to draw attention to a generation of children under siege.
“The message from our perspective was tips to families about how to prevent child abuse. Spoke Mrs. Colella, the executive director of the Child Abuse Council. Hugs and Kisses,” was written in story form, as a tool to help parents talk to children about sexual abuse, and the facts say that is a growing seriousness and alarm. Consider these statistics from Darkness to Light, a non- profiting resource organization seeking to fight child abuse through raising public awareness and education.
*One in four girls are sexually abused before age 18
*One in six boys are sexually abused before age 18
* Nearly 70 percent of all reported sexual assaults occur to children
More than 30 percent of the victims never disclose the experience to anyone.
Most children don’t tell even if asked. Colella appeared at the book signing, with other Child Abuse council representatives, to help educate families about how to prevent abuse.
The organization utilizes a seven step system offered by Darkness to light. It is available online at the organizations web site at D2L.org
Among the steps are “Learn the facts”, Minimize opportunity and talk about it.
Ms. Muhammad’s book “Hugs and Kisses” emphasizes the third step. It tells the story of two young girls who are friends. One of the girls has been sexually abused. In the story she confides in her friend.
“I wrote it in story form so it could be read to the child. ‘ Muhammad said She said she decided to write about child abuse because she wanted to raise awareness about the specter of child abuse.
Executive director Jeannie Colella and other representatives of the Child Abuse Council of Muskegon, addressed steps parents can take to deal with child abuse.
No comments:
Post a Comment