She says,  This next topic is a topic that hits home for me. I am one of many victims of child sexual abuse. Although, I would rather sweep this under the rug and act as if it never exist. My purpose of discussing this is to bring awareness, prevention and to let some young child> boy or girl know that they are not alone!


                                                                                                                                                                           


What to do if you think your child or a child you know has been a victim to sexual abuse?

Statistics show that girls are sexually abused more often than boys are. However, boys' and, later, men's, tendency not to report their victimization may affect these statistics. Some men even feel societal pressure to be proud of early sexual activity (no matter how unwanted it may have been at the time). It is telling, however, to note that men who have been abused are more commonly seen in the criminal justice system than in clinical mental health setting.

She says, Girls and Boys!!!                     

Children and adolescents who have been sexually abused can suffer a range of psychological and behavioral problems, from mild to severe, in both the short and long term. These problems typically include depression, anxiety, guilt, fear, sexual dysfunction, withdrawal, and acting out. Depending on the severity of the incident, victims of sexual abuse may also develop fear and anxiety regarding the opposite sex or sexual issues and may display inappropriate sexual behavior. However, the strongest indication that a child has been sexually abused is inappropriate sexual knowledge, sexual interest, and sexual acting out by that child.

The most common finding is that the majority of sexual offenders are family members or are otherwise known to the child. Sexual abuse by strangers is not nearly as common as sexual abuse by family members. Research further shows that men perpetrate most instances of sexual abuse, but there are cases in which women are the offenders. Despite a common myth, homosexual men are not more likely to sexually abuse children than heterosexual men are.

The negative effects of child sexual abuse can affect the victim for many years and into adulthood. Adults who were sexually abused as children commonly experience depression. Additionally, high levels of anxiety in these adults can result in self-destructive behaviors, such as alcoholism or drug abuse, anxiety attacks, situation-specific anxiety disorders, and insomnia. Many victims also encounter problems in their adult relationships and in their adult sexual functioning.

Protecting children from sexual abuse

The typical advice "Don't Talk to Strangers" doesn't apply in this case. Most sexual perpetrators are known to their victims.

Do not instruct children to give relatives hugs and kisses. Let them express affection on their own terms.

Teach your children basic sexual education. Teach them that no one should touch the "private" parts of their body. A health professional can also help to communicate sex education to children if parents are uncomfortable doing so.

Develop strong communication skills with your children. Encourage them to ask questions and talk about their experiences. Explain the importance of reporting abuse to you or another trusted adult.

Teach your children that sexual advances from adults are wrong and against the law. Give them the confidence to assert themselves against any adult who attempts to abuse them.

Make an effort to know children's friends and their families

What to do if you think a child you know has been the victim of sexual abuse?

Give the child a safe environment in which to talk to you or another trusted adult. Encourage the child to talk about what he or she has experienced, but be careful to not suggest events to him or her that may not have happened. Guard against displaying emotions that would influence the child's telling of the information.

Reassure the child that he or she did nothing wrong.

Seek mental health assistance for the child.

Arrange for a medical examination for the child. Select a medical provider who has experience in examining children and identifying sexual and physical trauma. It may be necessary to explain to the child the difference between a medical examination and the abuse incident.

Be aware that many states have laws requiring that persons who know or have a reason to suspect that a child has been sexually abused must report that abuse to either local law enforcement officials or child protection officials. In all 50 states, medical personnel, mental health professionals, teachers, and law enforcement personnel are required by law to report suspected abuse.

 
This last bullet ^ is Very Important: Parents if you know or should suspect  your child has been abused and you don't report it. Your at risk of getting your child taking away from you!!!! Depending on your state laws...

Most importantly:  NEVER think it can't or will not happen to your child.

If you are a victim of sexual abuse please know that You did nothing wrong. I encourage you to confide in someone. This is fundamental to your healing process.
 
I would like to give a special shout out to my aunt Mary.  She took heed of the signs in me, talked to me and did all of the above to make sure I was okay. I love you and I want you to know that I will never forget how you took special care of your niece when I needed you the most. She used her intuition, courage and strength to see, do and compose her feelings on this in an effort to make sure I was okay. You will forever hold a special place in my heart!
I love you auntie!!!

She says, Awareness, Prevention, Relating!!!
                      

                                                                                 


He says,.............this happened to me!