A Platform for the Survivor’s Voice

Child sexual abuse and sexual trauma are more common than many good hearts want to believe, but the reality is a harsh one. This is a common issue whether people choose to acknowledge it or not and it is our goal to spread awareness of child sexual abuse and to create a safe space for survivors of sexual trauma to share journeys, successes, challenges and healing.

Protecting Children

We often expect children to protect themselves, telling them, “Don’t go near this uncle” or “You know how that aunt likes to get” or “Don’t let nobody touch you.”

Our question: Is it fair to expect children to protect themselves or are we responsible for nurturing their environment in a way that allows them to be free and empowered?

It can be difficult for children to speak up against an adult in a culture of “Stay in a child’s place” or “…because I said so.” It is up to us as adults to change this culture. It is our responsibility to create a safe space for children where they have autonomy over their bodies. We can tell them what they need to know, but we must make sure we are telling them in the most effective way and we must teach adults to respect boundaries.

Once you feel empowered to use your voice, make it known that you are aware by setting boundaries with every adult that comes in contact with your child, especially in one-on-one circumstances.

Learn how to set these boundaries at www.D2L.org or at www.safeshores.org