04/30/2022
Today is the final day of Child Abuse Prevention Month. Child abuse can take many shapes and forms. It can be physical abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect. Sometimes it’s a child with intellectual disabilities who, as a result, is four times more likely to be abused or bullied. Physical abuse occurs when a child's body is injured as a result of hitting, kicking, shaking, burning or other show of force. One study suggests that about 1 in 20 children has been physically abused in their lifetime. Sexual abuse is any sexual activity that a child cannot understand or consent to. It includes acts such as fondling, oral-ge***al contact and ge***al and a**l in*******se. It also includes exposure to po*******hy. Studies suggest that up to one in five girls and one in 20 boys will be sexually abused before they are 18 years old. More than 90 percent of child sexual abuse victims know their abuser. Open, two-way communication with your child provides the best chance of knowing early when there is a problem. Make sure your child understands they will not get in trouble if they tell you about abuse or other confusing events.Instead of teaching them that they are surrounded by danger, teach them that they are strong, capable, and can count on you to keep them safe. You’d do anything in your power to secure your child’s safety. Not a single mother in this world has a child who gets through life without facing challenges. Ecclesiastes 3:1, which says, “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” If you’re struggling for any reason today and doubting your ability and value as a mom, hear this: God has faith in your ability to mother His children. Have faith in yourself. God knew the struggles you would face and even the mistakes you would make, yet He still made you the mom you are for your kids. You are the only one — the best one — for the job of raising your children. You are the one whose unconditional love for them is powerful. You are the one God called to guide them through every easy and difficult season of life and to simply love them with your whole heart, even on the hardest of days. Both my babies are a part of the abuse statistics and it’s sad to know they had to go through this! I love you both with all of my heart 💙
