Tell Somebody It Happened to Me

In my last blog about Penn State I stated that it unfortunately would not be the last child sex abuse scandal. In less than a month there are several others that have been exposed. Penn State and Syracuse Universities are reeling from recent allegations against assistant coaches involved in sexual abuse against young boys. It was also reported in Iowa that a Principal was arrested for taking hidden video of young boys in the school bathroom. Here in Illinois a teacher was arrested at Schaumburg Christian School for masturbating with a classroom full of students. 

 

Today, the Amateur Athletic Union in Nashville, TN, is shocked and deeply concerned about the serious accusations that the former president has had a long history of sexual abuse against boys. The AAU is one of the nations largest youth sports groups. The former president Robert W. Dodd has been accused of committing these acts over several decades. A South Carolina military college, The Citadel, has admitted that it failed to take action against one of their students for inappropriate behavior against children at summer camp. He has since been arrested for criminal sexual abuse against a child.

 

Frankly, there are far too many reports to disclose in one blog, article or report. I am however, thankful that more and more victims of abuse are silent no more. It is time to stand up and speak up. Telling is the only way to stop the serial predators from abusing more children. We must face the truth that child sexual abuse is running rampant. Breaking the silence is essential.  

 

My book is an excellent tool to help educate children to tell if they experience inappropriate behavior. It is a great resource for parents that want to talk to their kids about the danger of abuse. Every day I pray that someone would help me get my book in the forefront of bookstores, schools, athletic clubs, etc. You would think that with all these stories in the news that Barnes & Noble and others would have my book out where people could see it and buy it. It’s in the bookstores, Amazon, Winepress, www.tellsomebodybooks.com, but people just don’t know it’s there for them. Help me by telling someone that, Tell Somebody It Happened to Me is a necessity for every family that wants to protect their children from sexual abuse. 

 

Be bold, courageous, and support prevention, buy it for Christmas! It could very well be the most important gift you have ever given.

 

Let Justice Reign,

Nancy

 

This scandal has all the usual trappings associated with childhood sexual abuse. Silence, cover-up, immoral deviant behavior, and numerous victims are all common when it comes to sexual abuse. There is nothing new under the sun, just the same old sad story. 

 

It is again confirmed that childhood sexual abuse reaches across all barriers of race, culture, social and economic geography. This case is especially revolting because of it happening in ruse of a charitable foundation, The Second Mile. It’s heartbreaking that the founder of the foster care home turns out to be an imposter with evil motives.

 

Much of the news media has concentrated on the repercussions to Coach Joe Paterno because of his role in handling the allegations against Jerry Sandusky. The students even rioted because of their displeasure that he was fired.  It appears that the majority of the students are more concerned about football than they are about the abuse. The mention of the victims has been minimal. 

 

There were a number of people that were aware of Sandusky’s behavior over all these years. They chose to ignore it, deny it, or were perhaps rewarded for their silence. After all, they had a college name to protect. Apparently to many, institutions are far more important than individuals. It’s shameful to think this mindset prevailed but it appears to be so. 

 

Right now my prayers are with the victims. I know it’s not easy to come forward but these individuals are heroes. They may have a difficult time going through all this but there is great peace in knowing that you have done the right thing. Telling someone is always the first step to healing. There is also a deep satisfaction in knowing that your actions will prevent harm to others. This was the only way to stop the offender. Kids must continue to tell, until someone will listen. 

 

Unfortunately, this won’t be the last child sex abuse scandal. I hope this one will stir up hearts and bring strong conviction that it’s time to stand up and speak out against childhood sexual abuse.  

Let Justice Reign,
Nancy

 

 

Conversation is defined as an informal talk with somebody, especially about opinions, ideas, feelings, or everyday matters.

 

We have always been a family that shares dinner and conversation. My daughter’s husbands confessed that it was an adjustment to experience our long conversations following every dinner. It was a habit we developed as the kids were growing up. It has been a huge blessing and our family is extremely close because of it. We enjoy talking and sharing the ups and down’s of the day.

 

It’s great to get kids talking! If conversation is not developed early it can be like pulling teeth to get kids to tell you what’s going on. Kids face a lot of difficult situations; bullying, fears, disappointments, academic pressures and sexual abuse to name a few. It’s easy to have general conversation about unimportant things but trying to get kids to talk about difficult things could be a challenge if it’s not a regular habit. 

 

We all want to give our kids what they think they need, like toys and electronics of all sorts. Then we want to give them what we think they need, like food, clothes, and hopefully a nice summer vacation. While the above is usually provided there is often an element missing, conversation. 

 

Let’s talk to our kids. We can give them an opportunity to express their hurts, fears and failures. Kids need direction and encouragement. Conversation can supply both and so much more. 

 

My second book in the Tell Somebody Series, “No More Bullying,” will be out in 2012. Jacob and Josie will be teaching kids how important it is to talk about our feelings. Conversation is key in helping our kids feel safe and secure. 

 

Take a break from the ordinary and have an extraordinary conversation, with your kids.

 

Let Justice Reign,

Nancy

 

Today I participated in an Author’s Fair at the Bourbonnais Public Library, here in Illinois.  It’s always great to meet new people and talk to authors about their books. It’s interesting to hear what motivated them to write. Some authors want to share their story, others consider it a hobby, and some thought it might be a good way to make money. Many express a desire to help others.

 

I know exactly what motivated me to write my book and the best word to express it, prevention. I am convinced that it is absolutely necessary to educate people about preventing abuse from happening. Talking about childhood sexual abuse does bring awareness but prevention education is a solution.

 

We must develop a new mindset of being proactive in promoting prevention. Children need to be taught that there is a possible danger and how to respond to it. They are naive and innocent. We should not expect them to know what to do if someone tries to do something inappropriate. Children need to learn to resist being involved in anything that they have been taught is wrong and unacceptable. 

 

My desire is to help parents and children to be informed, knowledgeable and prepared to recognize abuse. We need to teach them to avoid potentially dangerous situations and to tell somebody immediately if they are put in an awkward situation. My book can help children develop the courage to speak up and tell somebody. 

 

Without prevention education children will be at risk, unaware and extremely vulnerable. Let’s be proactive and give our kids the best education possible, one that includes prevention education. Will you help me promote prevention of childhood sexual abuse? My book is a great tool to aid parents/guardians/teachers in educating children regarding abuse. Buy the book and share it with others.

 

Let Justice Reign,

Nancy

I’ve been trying to find more efficient ways of promoting prevention of childhood sexual abuse. I started researching the problem in other countries. I was curious if it was as prevalent in other countries as it is here in the United States. I have not totally recovered from the devastating statistics of worldwide child sexual abuse.

 

I can’t relate country by country how bad the reports were but I took special note of India since I’m planning on visiting there in October of 2012. In April of 2007 they did a National Study for the first time. The results were far worse than they expected. The study covered 13 states in India. The sample was taken from 12,446 kids. The shocking results revealed that more than 53% had been sexually abused. The other statistics in the study were as shocking. The articles are available on numerous websites. 

 

Childhood sexual abuse knows no borders.  It appears that Australia is a strong leader in being proactive in prevention education. They clearly express my heartfelt burden to prevent abuse not merely deal with the aftermath. Their programs are clear-cut. They don’t water down the truth. They promote prevention in their government, communities, media and schools. They work globally and have offices in Australia, Asia and the Pacific, delivering programs to prevent child sexual abuse.

 

My research was time well spent. I now realize why Bravehearts in Australia bought 5000 copies of my book to be added to their excellent school program, Ditto’s Keep Safe Adventure. 

 

My book doesn’t skirt around the truth. It deals with the reality of the hard facts of abuse. It tackles the fact that the abuser is usually someone the family knows and trusts. It breaks down the secretive barrier. It even asks the hard question. My name is Jacob and it happened to me. What’s your name? Has it happened to you? 

 

We have a big, giant, enormous problem and it’s worldwide. Don’t wait until it affects your child, family, or friend. It’s time to educate children by teaching them prevention. Stop being afraid of promoting prevention. We should be afraid of not doing anything and watching the statistics rise, worldwide.

 

Let Justice Reign,

Nancy