Remember in the Wizard of Oz, when Dorothy began her stroll down the Yellow Brick Road? Eventually she came upon a fork in the road. There she stood, unable to determine which way to go until the voice of the Scarecrow came from behind. With arms folded one over the other and fingers pointing out […]
Continue ReadingGiven that the grooming and manipulation often occurs subtly over time, and with a trusted figure, the child finds him or herself stuck in a situation without comprehending how they got there.
Continue ReadingThe fear causes parents to think long and hard about their children’s safety. They tell them in a very clear voice, “Do not to talk to strangers.” From the child’s perspective, because a stranger is someone they are supposed to be afraid of, they expect a stranger to look ugly or scary. In fact, few, […]
Continue ReadingIf journalist Judith Levine intended to stir up controversy with her new book HARMFUL TO MINORS, she succeeded in spades. As word about the book spread, it was attacked for presenting pedophilia as an “alternative lifestyle.” Levine rejects that characterization, calling it an example of the “hysteria” that prompted her to write the book. While […]
Continue ReadingSo your child tells you one day that she has been sexually abused or assaulted. How can you deal with this? How do you cope with the many feelings that come to you, while still being sensitive and helpful? If your child or adult child has disclosed this information previously, can you as a parent […]
Continue ReadingWhen Are You Going to Get on With Your Life?”, (Annie Nelson’s article in the last issue of Survivors & Friends) prompted us to write an update on how we are “getting on with” our lives. Last year we wrote “In memory of Amy” (Survivors & Friends 93/94 Vol. II #4). Regarding survivors of child […]
Continue ReadingBe aware that any of these symptoms or signs in a child may not necessarily mean he/she is a victim of sexual abuse. These are simply common characteristics children display when they have been abused and can be used to help identify possible problems in a child’s life that warrants attention. If you know of […]
Continue ReadingA child molester is not someone you can pick out of a crowd. He or she is not characterized by such things as social status, religious or non-religious beliefs, physical traits, or economical status. He can be a bum on skid row, or a CEO of a large corporation. He/she can be someone as close […]
Continue ReadingThis is not a complete list. I’ve begun adding characteristics and red flags that I can think of that I watch for in protecting my grandchildren. Please send us any that you are aware of. Most of these will be relating to men, or the male gender, but please be aware that women also abuse […]
Continue ReadingOur daughter was sexually abused by an uncle. We did not press charges right away. Our daughter’s therapist wanted to wait until she was emotionally stronger before doing this. But, unfortunately, her abuser still managed to get to her to continue his abuse of her; even, after her father confronted him. (Now, it was a […]
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