WHAT ARE WE UP AGAINST? 

You can’t spot abusers just by looking at them or by watching how they interact with children. They can be anybody: a relative, a neighbor, a community leader, a professional. They try to appear trustworthy. They are methodical, conniving, and relentless. They have no problem smiling in your face and can even have sex with you while they plot to get your kids. They will work to convince children that they should be open to sexual advances or that they like being violated.

As part of their sickness, many cannot comprehend that their actions are harmful, or that the rules and laws that govern the rest of society apply to them. The focus is on their own need for emotional or sexual gratification. Sexual abusers will not give up until they succeed in meeting that need, and once successful, many will continue until they are forced to stop. Child sexual abuse has been likened to an addiction. Research proves that once a victim show resistance or grows up or moves out, a sexual abuser will often move on to the next child.  As of today you got to act like you know.

Courtesy: “No secrets, No lies: How Black Families Can Heal From Sexual Abuse” by Robin Stone.

Coming Soon: Poems by Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse.