Now we’ve all read about abused cases taking place in churches, in the schools and even where you are most safe, the home. Rape or sexual abuse can occur anywhere. But I truly disgusted with the fact that so many cases occur in these places. I read in an article how the school is one of the major targets that sexual predators attack. The school is viewed to many as a home away from home for children because the majority of their day is spent there. Therefore, predators seek to lure around to prey on vulnerable children to kidnap or attack. Research show that teachers are empathetic toward abused children, but fear and lack of knowledge may make them hesitant about reporting abuse. Teachers are required by law to report suspect of child abuse, most teachers are not certified in child abuse and cannot determine what abuse is. In one article a survey proved that 81 percent of teachers reported receiving no preservice information about abuse and neglect, and 66 percent said they had not been given any in-service education in this area.
So how safe is our children at school? How well do we trust the caretakers of our children to ensure the protection of our children when they are away from our eyesight? Well, it not only in school or just from predators lurking around schools but in places where most people worship. Now I am not writing this to offend or disrespect anyone’s faith. But there have been several allegations about the Catholic churches being involves in sex scandals involving children. Like I said before it can happen anywhere and in any church as well.
In another discussion, we learn how the Los Angeles Archdiocese on July 15 announced the largest church settlement of sexual abuse lawsuits to date, agreeing to pay more than 500 alleged victims a total of $660 million. The judge on this case said that he felt it was the right thing to do for the victims. Monetary compensation is not going to erase the afflictions on the victims but monetary compensation has always been used as a settle for many criminal cases.
All people should at least feel safe in a church because it claims to represent a safe haven for all as the leaders represent honesty and caring for all. But not everything is the way it seems. It is disturbing for victims and members to acknowledge that their leader or priest has been involved in acts of an abomination. I think it is important as individuals to always keep a circle of trusted people amongst our children to limit the exposure of them falling victim to sexual abuse.
However, so many times children are being exposed to various caretakers throughout the day while parents work or attend school. Majority of families today are unstable and children are shifted around through the course of the day from school, to after school or sitters. Even when a child becomes a teenager, some parents’ think that they are old enough to be around friends’ houses and that they are old enough to tell or protect themselves from danger. However, in cases of sexual abuse it is hard to talk about it if occurs or defend yourself from predators. Predators can be family members or close friends that our children stay by without parents. Can you understand how hard it could be to tell your parents that a family member abuse you or a close friend? As parents I think that we need to be aware of particular signs of child abuse. In an article I read I gave some points to sexual abuse. I read some important signs of sexual abuse. Some signs are regressive behaviors such as thumb sucking, enuresis (bed wetting), and nightmares; sleep disturbances; persistent, inappropriate sexual play with self, with peers, or toys. Also knowledge of sexual behavior (often evident in drawings) that is advanced for the child's age; poor peer relationships; overly compliant behavior; acting-out behavior such as delinquency or aggression (often seen in children who attempted to get help but received none) In older children signs of pseudo-mature behavior; school-related difficulties including an inability to concentrate, faltering school performance, reluctance to change clothes for gym class or to participate in physical activities, and arriving at school early and staying late; Some children decide to run away from home; express suicidal thoughts or attempts; and sexual promiscuity or avoidance of relationships. This is important factors to be aware of as parents and teachers. The longer the occurrence takes place or goes unknown to longer the psychological damage affects the victim and the decreases the chances of recovery.
Parents need to be aware of changes that they make in their children lives and ways that it can affect their safety. The law also needs to implement courses for teachers to understand signs in children and encourage more awareness of sexual abuse in children. If we all work together and pay more attention I think that the opportunity for the action of sexual abuse to take place would be limited.
Works Cited:
Lumsden, L. (2003-2005). The Role of Schools in Sexual Abuse Prevention and Intervention. ERIC Digest Series Number 61. Retrieved March 17, 2010, from http://www.ericdigests.org/pre-9219/sexual.htm.
Wooden, C. (2007) Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Retrieved March 17 2010, from http://www.americancatholic.org/News/ClergySexAbuse.
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