They are speaking. Are we listening???

An amazing workshop attended on Child Sexual Abuse. One of the sensitive issues we face in India but never feel comfortable enough to talk about such topic. Most of us live relatively simple lives. We wake up, have our coffee, run to work/school and then around five or six o’clock we begin our slow march home where we can finally take off our shoes sit back and relax. But for most of the world such is not the case. It may be strange to ponder, but you are much closer to the one percent than you may think. I think it's time we need to break the silence.

Experts suggest children as young as three or four should be made aware of different types of touch in simple language which does not frighten them. This is the time when children can understand a good touch and a bad touch

“Bad touch”, a term used by child psychologists to describe sexual abuse,  is not limited to the handling of a child’s private parts.

Children often show us rather than tell us that something is upsetting them. There may be many reasons for changes in their behaviour, but if we notice a combination of worrying signs it may be time to call for help or advice.

What to watch out for in children:

• Acting out in an inappropriate sexual way with toys or objects
• Nightmares, sleeping problems
• Becoming withdrawn or very clingy
• Becoming unusually secretive
• Sudden unexplained personality changes, mood swings and seeming insecure
• Regressing to younger behaviours, e.g. bedwetting
• Unaccountable fear of particular places or people
• Outburst of anger
• Changes in eating habits
• New adult words for body parts and no obvious source
• Talk of a new, older friend and unexplained money or gifts
• Self-harm (cutting, burning or other harmful activities)
• Physical signs, such as, unexplained soreness or bruises around genitals or mouth, sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy
• Running away
• Not wanting to be alone with a particular child or young person

Any one sign doesn't mean that a child was or is being sexually abused, but the presence of several suggests that you should begin to ask questions and consider seeking help. Keep in mind that some of these signs can emerge at other times of stress also.

As an adult the role is not only to spread awareness or identify the signs but also safeguard the interest of the victim but also report the case.

Thanks Team to make me aware of my role as educator.

“Adults need to teach the children they love about sexual abuse so they know what to do if they encounter it. We need to prepare them so they know who to tell, should a violation occur, so they don't have to live with a painful secret, long into adulthood.”
― Carolyn Byers Ruch