We have touched on this topic in the past, but it needs to be revisited, especially for those of us who come from tight knit small communites, like those in the Caribbean region.

Remember that sexual abuse can be the hidden history in a family, and it can go on for generations. A perpertrator can exist in family if that family decides not to have the perp prosecuted and their behavior exposed.

If a parent was abused as a child and their attachment and emotional bond is not secure, this can affect how attached they are to their children, and their emotional bond to them.  Parents who are not emotionally connected to their children are less able to nurture them and this can have a negative effect on them and how well they can protect their children. 

You and I know there are parents who cannot consciously tell that certain individuals can harm their child, and this parent can leave their children vulnerable to a perpertrator’s advances.

Revictimization is a real phenomenon and  an after effect of child sexual abuse and abuse in general.  Those who were abused can repeat abuse, and are at risk for marrying or living with a partner who is a perpertrator of abuse, and thus place our children at risk. Also if a family lives in denial about sexual abuse, they also place their children at risk.