Comments on: Talking to Your Kids About Abuse

By: Jill Alane Moore

Jill Alane Moore — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:23:38 +0000

“Maybe we need a post about what to do if your child has been abused!”
Call your local Rape Crisis Center. They are trained to deal with child sexual abuse, without tainting the investigation. They can support the family through the investigation, while you talk to the police, through interviews with the child. They know the court system and can help you understand how the process works and why it takes so long to get results. They can also offer counseling for you and your child.

By: Marie

Marie — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 20:40:49 +0000

I’ve just had an email from someone who did do everything she should have, but her son still suffered. He did tell her about it eventually, but I’ve realized you can do so much. Hopefully her preparations in talking about this issue helped him tell her sooner than later. My heart goes out to her.

Maybe we need a post about what to do if your child has been abused!

By: Lori

Lori — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:05:07 +0000

I would definitely read this to my son. He’s only 2 but I have already started talking to him about our private areas and when it is ok to touch and who (mom, dad, diaper change, dr etc). He gets the concept of private area, so I don’t think it’s too young to start talking to your kids about this in a non scary way.

By: Bonnie

Bonnie — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:09:48 +0000

I am an investigator at my local State’s Attorney’s Office. I work in the Child/Abuse Sex Offense Unit. I have been working her 9 years and my perspective on life and people has really changed. Since working there I have had two girls (now 4 and 6). I talk to them often (without drilling it into them or scaring them) about abuse, knowing who they can trust, strangers and about NOT keeping secrets for ANYONE. It is never too early to talk to your children. I see cases all the time where the child (most of the time now older and sometimes even an adult) were afraid to tell because they thought they did something wrong and would get into trouble. Or even sadder are the children that did not know it was wrong because the abuser was someone they TRUSTED. They didn’t learn until they got older and then it was too late. It is often someone a child trusts and many times a family member.
I would love to look at this book and possibly even let people I work with look at it for a training tool.
THanks for talking about this important issue.

By: Julie

Julie — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:54:55 +0000

I would definitely read this to my kids – my kids are still young, but I’m sure my 4-yr-old daughter would understand. VERY important topic.

By: Marie

Marie — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 05:33:50 +0000

Thank you to everyone for sharing your thoughts, especially those who have suffered from this type of abuse. I know it is such an important topic and was happy to share this book, helping to get the conversation going. I really appreciate everyone’s comments!

By: S.T.

S.T. — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 03:42:23 +0000

I think the book is a wonderful way for parent’s to talk their children about sexual abuse. My sister and I were both victims when we were children. I have talked to both of my children, a son and daughter since they we old enough to listen, about what is and is not appropriate. It is so important to talk and to listen.

@Ruth, it is NEVER to early to introduce this subject to your girls. My abuse began around the age of 3. I remember it vividly.

By: Kristin Doyle

Kristin Doyle — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 05:11:46 +0000

Thank you for sharing this resource.

By: Margie K

Margie K — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:05:38 +0000

Thanks! I’m going to order this one now.

By: Fairly Odd Mother

Fairly Odd Mother — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:31:32 +0000

I’d absolutely read this book to my kids. They need to know that if anything happens that makes them feel uncomfortable—especially if it as at the hands of someone they know, love and trust—they can come to me and I’ll listen.