ABUSE HURTS
Child Abuse Prevention
ALONE IN THE NIGHT
Children who have been or are being abused do feel alone in the night. They are so afraid, feel ashamed, often times trying to hide within themselves, hoping the monster will disappear. So many have no one to turn to, their cries go unanswered. I know all too well as do many others who have lived with abuse growing up how it feels to live with the “shame.” As children, we felt this shame, as our abuser would often tell us “it’s your fault that this is happening,” what did we know? We were children, the fear that permeated throughout our very soul, kept us prisoner. Silenced, often beaten into silence or told we would be banished from the family unit. So many ways to silence a small child.We need to end the stigma of child abuse, not just during the month of April in the U.S. or October in Canada, but through-out all of the year. Children are a precious gift bestowed on us by our Creator. To love, cherish, guide them on their journey through life. No child should know the feelings of being abused, either sexually, physically or emotionally. They should not live in hell binding them tightly to abuse.
It is our responsibility as adults to report abuse of any kind if we see it happening, know it’s happening. Children are filled with so much fear inside, but may give you signs that something horrific has happened to them. Don’t turn away, nor pretend you don’t see it. Our children need us, these vulnerable children, who often go to bed at night terrified, as the monsters from hell often visit a child as they sleep. More often than not, a child knows their abuser. Please be there for a child of abuse. Help end the stigma, report abuse, it’s our responsibility!!!!
,
APRIL CHILD ABUSE AWARENESS MONTH
Published on Apr 29, 2014
Child Abuse Awareness and Sexual Assault Prevention video to show how we must speak out
**Not all of these paintings of children are abused children, happy to be able to say. There are a few that are very happy, well taken care of and loved children. We do all we can to protect the privacy of those who are being abused.”
All the beautiful Artwork belong to my friend Michal Madison..www.MichalMadisonArt.net/galleries.html…
Words by Mary Graziano
copyrighted
Music and song sung by George Robertson.
video put together by Debbie Naylor Cox
I do own the rights to the Video and the Song
CHILD ABUSE LIVES EVERYWHERE
| NAASCA Posters / Essays Celebrating April as National Child Abuse Awareness Month | |
|
|
|
| Child Abuse lives everywhere — don’t be afraid to talk about it |
4 of 30 ..
|
|
|
|
 |
Child Abuse lives .. …... in every community …... often its a family tradition Sexual assault of children often includes incest. Incest is sexual contact between persons who are so closely related that their marriage is illegal (e.g., parents and children, uncles/aunts and nieces/nephews, etc.). This usually takes the form of an older family member sexually abusing a child or adolescent. The victim may be told that what is happening is normal or happens in every family, and doesn’t realize that it is a form of abuse. The youngster may not know that help is available or who they can talk to. Children may be afraid of what will happen if they tell someone, and may also be concerned about how many people will react when they hear about the abuse. Incest is especially damaging because it disrupts the child’s primary support system, the family. When the abuser is someone in the family, the family may not be able to provide support or a sense of safety. Since the children (especially younger children) often have limited resources outside the family, it can be very hard for them to recover from incest. Incest can damage a child’s ability to trust, since the people who were supposed to protect and care for them have abused them. Survivors of incest sometimes have difficulty developing trusting relationships It can also be very damaging for a child if a non-abusing parent is aware of the abuse and chooses—for whatever reason—not to take action to stop it. Please see: Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
|
CHILD ABUSE LIVES EVERYWHERE
| NAASCA Posters / Essays Celebrating April as National Child Abuse Awareness Month | |
|
|
|
| Child Abuse lives everywhere — don’t be afraid to talk about it |
6 of 30 ..
|
|
|
|
 |
Child Abuse lives .. …... in every community …... in groups of every belief Child abuse lives in every group and institution where children are gathered .. and this is true world-wide. Late last year the UK’s newly formed National Crime Agency released a report verifying children in institutions such as schools, churches, clubs and care homes (like foster care) are not safe from abuse. The NCA warned that child sex offenders often manipulate victims into believing the attention they get is an “honor”, making it hard for them to report abuse. Victims in some cases were made to feel indebted to their abusers, making them feel that they were somehow complicit, experts found. The report warned that management structures can discourage junior staff from reporting suspicions, and can also allow offenders to gain the trust of their victims and those who should be protecting them. The report said in some cases, protecting the organization’s reputation had taken precedence over reporting abuse, and workers’ loyalty to the institution also stopped them from reporting concerns. The NCA report outlines eight key recommendations for institutions. They include putting children’s interests first; creating a safe environment for reporting; effectively implementing and monitoring safeguarding policies; improving protection through safer recruitment; and releasing alleged offenders’ identities. |
|
|
| ..<== Go to previous Poster / Essay |
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TUNNEL of ABUSE
Children who face abuse often feel like they are living deep inside a tunnel. A tunnel that grips them, unable to leave. Feeling swallowed whole, left to their own demise, with no one coming to help rescue them. Their lives, ruined forever. They live it every day.
When someone turns a blind eye to abuse, it’s as if a child or anyone being abused doesn’t matter. It’s like you are shutting the door, so you don’t have to see it, hear it,know about it. People sometimes feel that if it doesn’t pertain to them, then why bother!! Abuse won’t go away if we don’t as adults acknowledge that it is happening. Children need our help, they are afraid to come forward. Afraid that they won’t be believed. I felt that way as a child. I didn’t tell because who is going to believe that my abuser would do something to me? So I stayed quiet, letting it fester inside of me for years, until I could take it no longer!!! Reach out to a child/person who you may know is being abused. Listen if someone tells you that they are living a hell on earth. Most of the time, they are not lying, not trying to get attention. Listen with an open heart, find it in yourself to become aware. If an animal was being abused so many people would come forward to help rescue them. Why is it an animal receives more help than a human? What is wrong with that picture? Think about it, really think hard!!!! It’s up to all of us as adults to help, to fight for all things that hurt an innocent child. Let’s change the statistics on abuse…STAND UP FOR A CHILD LIVING IN A TUNNEL of ABUSE!!! Do your part!!!
CHILDREN ARE OUR FUTURE
Children need to be taught at an early age to use their voice, not stay silent, be heard, no a good touch from a bad touch. Children are so vulnerable, and trust adults. This can sometimes be an advantage to an adult who wants to hurt a child whether it be sexual abuse, violent act etc. Even within their own families, a child may not feel right when someone says something to them, and makes them uneasy. A child has no way to defend themselves from predators!!!
Children are our future, and we need to protect them. They are unique, special in every way!!! If a child were taught at an early age to use their voice, when something feels uncomfortable, then maybe we can start changing society. Sadly though, there are many adults who will find a way to get to a child no matter what. WE the adult, need to be vigilant, keep our eyes open, to anything that may not seem a normal relationship between an adult and child. Paedophiles, are everywhere, hide behind masks, pillars in our communities, churches, etc. So many go undetected because we don’t expect that they would be someone who wants to harm a child. How many times are we surprised when we hear that so and so was charged with sexual assault to a child. That no one suspected it coming from someone who is known in their community (politician, clergy, judges, police officers etc.)
We need to protect our children as much as we can. We need to be their voices, their eyes!!!! Children are afraid to speak up, often told if they tell, something bad will happen to them or their families.
Please, be a voice to the children of the world, of your community, in your own home. Don’t ever think it won’t happen, Believe me I know first hand it does happen!!! Let’s try and decrease the incidences of child abuse!!!!!
SHADOWS IN THE NIGHT!!
We need to be the voice for the many children, who are alone, who have no voice, scared, defeated by their abuser. They are shadows in the night!!! Fearful of their lives. Many of us are survivors of abuse, we know what it is like for them. We know the terror they feel, how the shadows in the night time mean only one thing to them. Silenced by their abusers, knowing if they tell bad things can happen to them, to their families. Their lives are empty. Hearts crushed. Let’s help stop this cycle of abuse. Know the signs. Be their voice. Don’t turn away. They need us, need our trust. Don’t let the children down!!!
CHILDHELP VILLAGE
CHILDHELP VILLAGE
Childhelp Village.
Dedicated to helping children.
Severely neglected.
Abused.
Bringing hope.
To lives so innocent.
Others thought.
Were unfix-able.
“Throw away kids.”
Six to sixteen year old children.
Who every day.
Lived with the pain.
Hatred.
Stole their childhood.
Silenced by their abusers.
Never to be.
That innocent child again.
Secrets so deep.
Not trusting.
Living in trepidation. Silence!!
These are the “FORGOTTEN CHILDREN.”
Who others gave up on.
Here at Childhelp Village.
So much compassion.
Security. Love. Freedom from fear.
No more abuse!!
Shelter.
From the storms.
Of their past.
Childhelp Village.
A place they can finally.
Call home.
Acres with beautiful scenery.
Serene. Open space.
Takes them away.
From their living hell!!
Childhelp Village. Lovingly.
Opens their doors. To the many.
Bruised. Fearful. Tearful faces.
So many feelings. Of apprehension.
Unsure of strangers. Because.
Abuse was all they knew.
The Village. Offers an experience.
Of positive feelings. Self worth.
Where. Each child can sleep.
Peacefully. Without any doubts. Fears.
Feeling secure.
In the darkness of night.
Wrapped in their “Blankets of Hope.”
Made with love.
Their Ganz bears. Other stuffies. Donated.
“We are the Forgotten children.
Please stand up and fight for us.
Help keep away.
The monsters from hell.
Who abused us in every way.”
I write these words.
For all children small.
That little child in me.
Silenced then.
Not anymore!!
I will keep shouting.
Help set them free.
Thank you Childhelp Village.
Where so many help to love.
All the children.
Entering their doors.
Giving them.
A chance of a new life.
A new beginning.
From the horrors.
They faced. Everyday!!
Above the entrance door.
Are the words.
“ALL WHO ENTER HERE FIND LOVE.”
Prose by Mary Graziano
August 12, 2014
Revised March 8, 2016
“ALL WHO ENTER HERE FIND LOVE” CREDIT GIVEN
TO CHILDHELP VILLAGE
Watercolour painting and some editing by
Michal Madison
www.MichalMadisonArt.com
Vulnerable Expressions of Raw Emotion
The Blankets of Hope, were made by Michal Madison, and a group of volunteers They were donated to Childhelp Village in Beaumont, California at Christmas time. I contacted many many toy maker companies, and Ganz in Canada, donated boxes of stuffed animals to the children. I wanted them to have something to cuddle while they were snuggled in their blankets. I thank all the volunteers who helped Michal in this huge endeavour, and to Ganz Canada for the kind donation. mg..
Blogtalk Radio.
Tonight’s special guest is Dale Hemming from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He leads the effort at Sioux Falls Free Thinkers where the motto is ‘Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent!’ Among numerous other issues for Dale is the safety of our children. The web site says, “.. all those with open minds are welcome. Free Thinkers are those that want a world without rules and controls on thought, without mental borders and boundaries. A world where anything is possible.” With our talk show, Dale is announcing the launch of a 6 week child abuse awareness campaign in Sioux Falls that involves sixteen 10×21 foot billboards for National Child Abuse Prevention Month (April). The campaign will be sponsored by Sioux Falls Feminists. Dale, now 71, became a feminist in 1960 while he was in high school. In college he went further. “I was a campus radical and civil rights activist fighting against the Vietnam War, racism, and for women’s rights and gay/lesbian rights,” Dale explains. In 2002 Dale started to volunteer as a women’s advocate, working with abused women and their children, and serving as a male role model. “If one looks at the appalling statistics and facts on child abuse you will understand my involvement in the issue,” Dale says. He’s addressing these issues head on, and at his own expense.” I believe we need to stop hiding the ugliness of child physical and sexual abuse. We need to get it out in open so we must deal with it.” Dale explains, “My latest child abuse billboard images and wording are as explicit as freedom of speech allows. Hopefully more children and adults will report child abuse to the 14 different professional organizations listed on the Sioux Falls Feminists ‘Where to Get Help’ page.”
LOOK INTO THE EYES
We need to be the voices for children. How often do we reach out to an animal who is being abused, take them from their abusive home, and place them into another home where they will be loved. Animals seem to have more rights then children do. Please, let’s get children into homes, get them to stay with family members, not in the foster system, where they are so often lost, forgotten, beaten, murdered. yes there many good foster homes, and I thank those who do care and love the children their keep and help keep them safe. We need to be the voices for our children. We are their only chance. Please listen to this song. My poem turned into a song by my friend George Robertson. Hoping to have this one made into a video also.
LOOK INTO THE EYES…..
My poem made into a song by my friend singer/songwriter George Robertson. This song is about how we raise our voices and shout out loud and clear when an animal is being abused, but how many of those people raise their voices and shout loud for the abuse of an innocent child? Something is wrong here. A human life should be first above any other life. NO CHILD SHOULD BE ABUSED/ neither should an animal..but when child abuse is talked about,
people turn the other way and pretend it doesn’t have anything to do with them, but it does..
THE EYES OF AN INNOCENT CHILD
THE EYES OF AN INNOCENT CHILD
Look deep into the eyes.
Of an innocent child.
Hurt. Much sadness you’ll see.
Words. Never need be spoken.
She wants to be safe. Happy. Free.
“Help me! Please take me away.
From the monster who hurts me so.
I’m frightened. Scared. So all alone.
Darkness of night my enemy. My curse!!”
Her eyes succumb to blinding tears.
Uncontrollable emotions. Let go.
“Who will save me? Be my protector?
Repeated abuse. I know so well.”
Look deep. Into the eyes of an innocent child.
To be silent. Is what she’s been told.
Fear often disguised with a smile. Not real!!
Believe her. If her voice speaks out.
Embrace her in your loving arms.
Together we can make a difference.
Please. Don’t let her down!!
Prose by Mary Graziano©2012
Revised September 29, 2015©
Magnificent Watercolour Painting
Words
“She trusts you,
Don’t let her down
Together we can make a difference”
by my wonderful friend
Michal Madison
Copyrighted 2012
http://www.MichalMadisonArt.com
SOME PARTS ARE NOT FOR SHARING
vIa Michal Madison
EMPOWERED Children are SAFE Children!!!There are things you NEED to know about unwanted touch… It’s not something we like to think about, but the holiday’s, with lots of family gatherings are a time when many children are molested. Learn the facts & teach them to your children. Please, protect your children. Knowledgeable, Empowered Children have happy memories…
Author Julie Federico’s books are an awesome place to start!
THE FORGOTTEN CHILDREN
Please>>>If you care about our children. Please share this important video. I wrote these words for all the children who have and are being abused. We need to help save as many children as we can. Sharing this hopefully will let others who turn a blind eye to maybe open their eyes and feel for the children who go through abuse. Children are our future. heart emoticon
The Forgotten Children version 2
**Not all of these paintings of children are abused children, happy to be able to say. There are a few that are very happy, well taken care of and loved children. We do all we can to protect the privacy of those who are being abused.” Mary E Graziano,copyrighted
All the beautiful Artwork belong to my wonderful friend Michal Madison. Artist/advocate/prose writer ..www.MichalMadisonArt.net/galleries.html…
Words by Mary Graziano
copyrighted
Music and song sung by George Robertson.
video put together by Debbie Naylor Cox
I do own the rights to the Video and the Song
Tune in tonight . . .
Join Bill Murray tonight on NAASCA’s blogtalk radio show SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now), where Patricia A. Mcknight will be a guest, as well as Dr. Debra Warner. Tune in at 8pm EST/5pm PST. The following in a previous appearance of Patricia’s.
Together We Can Heal 