Let's take care of our children.........

2. We are all somebody’s child. Our children are our society’s greatest assets. Therefore, it is up to all of us to become aware of and educated about the dangers and risks of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) in our communities. We must also be proactive to protect our children right now. By encouraging victims - past and present - to speak out and report CSA, and by prosecuting men and women who hurt children, we can stop the cycle. Data estimates that more that 90% of child sexual abuse is never reported. That means that more than 90% of abusers are able to continue to hurt children.

3. We all suffer when a child is sexually exploited. The wounds caused by CSA, child pornography, exploitation, molestation, and human trafficking run deeply in a person’s psyche, completely traumatizing the victim, the victim’s family, friends and communities. Effects of abuse include depression and suicide, alcohol and drug abuse, re-victimization, sexuality issues, self-injury, violence, anger management issues, homelessness, and other self-destructive behaviors. Without necessary support, victims’ wounds cannot heal and our society will continue to pay the emotional and financial toll. When we encourage victims to report CSA to law enforcement and provide a safe environment to come forward, we help victims and their families get the psychological, social and familial support they need to heal.

4. When a victim is empowered, anything is possible. CSA is a crime of shame and secrecy, but when a victim is able to openly and safely speak about their abuse, the walls of stigma and shame are broken. When victims, witnesses and potential victims are safe and protected, they are empowered to speak out to stop the cycle of abuse. When our society is aware and educated, we become empowered to stand up against CSA and show that this is something our society will not tolerate.

5. I dedicate this slideshow to Giorgia Gwen. Giorgia joined our household on the 4 th of October She is my son’s second child.