Greetings Mummies in the house.
I recall when I was 5, and I was living with a distance family friend with her family. I was abused sexually twice by two different people living in the same compound. I never told anyone about it because they would warn me seriously not to tell anyone about it.
What is sexual abuse?
According to my online research, when a child or young person is sexually abused, they're forced, tricked, or manipulated into sexual activities. They might not understand that what's happening is abuse or that it's wrong for the abuser to do this to them. They might be afraid to speak and let someone know what's happening or has happened to them. Sexual Abuse can happen anywhere.
Note that it's never a child's fault they were abused sexually. Therefore,no child should be blamed or mocked at if such ever happens. It's also important and necessary to make sure children get to know about this at the earliest.
Ways a child can be abused sexually.
✓ sexual touching of any part of a child's body whether they're clothed or not. A young man was arrested and proven guilty for abusing a 6month old child. This young man is a brother to the father of the baby. According to the mother of the baby, she left the baby with her uncle to take care of while she went in to do some laundry. Getting back to the sitting room, she saw the young man fingering the baby.
Another instance, I came across a post on social media, Facebook to be precised, a lady was asking for people's opinions on what she saw her husband doing to their 6 months old baby. She said, "I was in the room with my husband and child, I faced the mirror trying to fix my face, then I saw my husband fingering our baby. When I questioned him, he said that's what the father did to his sisters to put them to sleep".
✓ Another way of abusing a child is by using a body part or object to rape or penetrate a child.
✓Forcing a child to take part in sexual activities.
✓ Making a child undress or touch someone else
Signs children who are abused display that parents should look into:
• When a child becomes more quiet than usual and isn't sick, communicating with the child is necessary. It may not be sexual abuse, it may be something else. But communication is important.
• Becoming upset, annoyed when the child's favourite Uncle comes around.
• Being secretive about who they're talking to and what they're doing online or on their mobile phone
behaving as though they have to be online at a certain time, or rushing to get on their phone
have lots of new phone numbers, texts or email addresses on their mobile phone, laptop or tablet
• Expressing the need for money, this may be used if they are being blackmailed.
• Sometimes, they might be courageous enough to make complaints about a particular person.
How To Deal With Sexual Child Abuse
• Listen carefully to what they're saying
don’t push them too much, but allow them to talk freely or answer.
When I was abused sexually I couldn't talk to anyone about it, I was in pain but I said anything to anyone.
• Let them know they've done the right thing by telling you
tell them know it's not their fault
say you'll take them seriously.
•Don't confront the alleged abuser
explain what you'll do next.
•Report what the child has told you as soon as possible
decide if they need medical attention.
Moms, Dads, it's time stop this child abuse. Stop these monsters from ruining the future of our children. I couldn't speak up when I was supposed to, I couldn't stop them from hurting me. But we can stop that in century.
PUT A STOP TO SEXUAL CHILD ABUSE TODAY!
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