Today’s headlines: “Fourth victim accuses Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash of sexual abuse,” “West Palm Beach area man accused of molesting his disabled step daughter,” “Mom and boyfriend charged with child abuse,” and “Prominent Hasidic counselor was convicted yesterday of sexually abusing a young girl.”
Have you had enough of reading these stories? I know I have had enough of waking every day to yet another story of innocent children being harmed.
From the plethora of headlines it would seem that more children are coming forward and reporting their abuse – but please don’t think that is the majority. Most children do NOT report until they feel safe to do so, and that may take decades. Please don’t become desensitized to these stories or gloss over, because if you do we will never stop child abuse. Thus my fear.
I am afraid for our children and you should be too, because the only way that we are ever going to prevent child abuse is to realize children are being abused right this minute, right around the corner, right down the street by someone you know. We have to continue to be outraged that our precious children are being harmed and our current laws protect the offender not our children.
It takes a village to keep children safe. KidSafe Foundation is not alone in our work to prevent child abuse. But if the news stories of child abuse don’t fill you with outrage, and spark the impetus for change, nothing will. So, be afraid for our children, be so afraid that it will give you the courage to get involved and help promote the protection and prevention of crimes against children. Then and only then do our children have a chance at being safe.
Please join KidSafe Foundation as we work to prevent child abuse. How? Read our educational blogs about how to keep children safe and share them with those you love.
Become a fan of KidSafe Foundation on Facebook and spread the word. Follow us on Twitter @kidsafe and spread the awareness of nonprofits like KidSafe that work to prevent abuse. For more information about KidSafe Foundation www.kidsafefoundation.org
