Hi I want to share an experience with the other imperfect mums out there in the hope I can reduce the risk of any parent have to go through what I am going through at the moment.
I have to be cautious with names because of legal reasons but I am looking for a positive outlet for my negative feelings.
I have written in and asked for help a few times but this time I want to share a message about teaching our kids body awareness and body safety.
My story (trying to keep it brief), started with a teenage boy who was unable to live at home and need a supportive environment to try to turn his life around. We offered him this place and did out best to help this boy as he began to move into adulthood. After he had been residing with us for some time our preschooler disclosed that the teenager had been sexually abusing him. I was shocked and taken aback. We had the teenager removed that night and report the disclosure to the police. My preschooler was unwilling to talk to the police detective about what he had said to me and without him being willing to go into a room along with the detective to give a video recorded statement nothing legally could be done about the matter. While my husband and I struggled immensely with what we had learn the teenager was place in a new home and it seems his life just went on. There were in fact people anger at us for saying such horrible things about the teenager. Some of these people included teenage family members of ours. At first it seemed our preschooler was coping well and may be ok despite what had happened. However as the weeks passed it became apparent this was not the case. Things we hadn't even considered seem to be causing flash backs and the temper tantrums were horrible and totally heart breaking. Kinder noticed changes in my preschooler learning abilities and social skills and focus levels and I began to realise life for my beautiful baby would never be the same. We are now seeking counselling and using the supports we have to get through this horrible situation.
For me part of doing that is trying to spread awareness. Sexual abuse is awful and too many people, too many parents are not aware of so much about it.
I want to encourage parents to learn about body safety and teach their children. I don't mean about the stranger at the park. All children should know that anything that would be covered by bathers and their mouth is theirs and theirs alone. No one has the right to touch these areas. Teach your children about uncomfortable feelings and what to do if they feel that way. Talk about the handful(5) of people they can tell anything to( let them tell you who they are).
Please please please parents educate yourself about who abusers are. My biggest mistake was not realising that a teenager was as capable as an adult of committing this horrendous act.
Please I beg of everyone who is reading this educate yourself and educate your children. And encourage your school to teach body safe as well. Thanks.
IM sharing childhood sexual assult
IM sharing childhood sexual assult
Posted in:
Life Lessons, Parenthood Guilt, Health & Wellbeing, Education, Behaviour, Kids, Teenagers
3 Replies
Firstly how awful and I'm sorry that your family is going through this. I too was sexualy abused by a teenager when I was 8, unlike your son I kept it to myself until I was 16! Your son is so brave coming forward straight away and you are great parents for protecting him. I hope your family and your son get the justice you deserve! And as for people who are angry at you for protecting your son from a predator and making it known, shame on them they are just as bad!!
As someone who has been abused by a supposed trusted person. I think it's important to understand boundaries safety etc as most have mentioned and agreed with. But for me and for closure and coping with it I needed to know that the person didn't mean to hurt harm me and they had a problem and that they were helped not just because they shouldn't do it again but because they are suffering and confused and need help.
I would love to hear that this teenage boy is also being cared for.
The offending boy and everyone involved with him deny what happened. I have made it clear to DHS that I just want him to own up and get the help he needs but as far as I am aware it has not happened and is probably not likely to.