by Joyce M. George-Knight

Created on: October 10, 2009

Your child tells you he/she's been abused. Shock and panic are most likely your initial reactions, followed rapidly by wanting to have the abuser punished. Actually, you fight against stronger feelings that urge you to take care of the abuser yourself, but you realize it would ruin your family and send you to jail. Please understand that children do not share abuse stories easily. Before a child comes forth, he/she has undergone much agony, brow-beating, embarrassment and anger while contemplating what to do. Parents are the last persons they wish to face, due to fear of either not being believed or that he/she did something to cause the abuse.

Parents protect and care for their children to the best of their abilities. Most parents take extra measures to insure their well-being. However, once the child leaves the constant watchful eye of the parent, they can be vulnerable to the unconscionable actions of evil and sick members of society.

Forms of abuse are many and range from sodomy and rape to threatening to harm the child's family if the abuser's advances are conveyed to anyone. Abusers prey on children who have low self-esteem or behavioral problems. Initial contact is made as a friend toward the child. The person offers to listen to the child's problems or to help in whatever way they see a need. After awhile, the person makes advances. This is when the abuser warns the child that he/she knows specifics concerning the child's family. To validate this fact, the abuser begins to spew forth some of the details prior homework has produced. The abuser further states that if the child should share information with anyone, one or more members of the family will be harmed or killed.

Therefore, it's important to allow the child space in which to share the information as thoroughly as he or she is able to do. Reassure him or her that taking such action is the right thing to do. Explain that the authorities must be notified in order to prevent the abuser from bringing fear and/or harm to another child. Realize that your child will feel terrified for your safety and well-being as well as his or her own safety. The authorities will know how to handle the situation and reassure your child.

Should you discover that other children have been involved but authorities have not been contacted, you may be in for an unbelievable surprise. Many parents object to getting the authorities involved because of the embarrassment that would be brought to the family if the news became

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>