This Examiner can speak first-hand to the fact that children across the nation are suffering from a troubling, and growing, epidemic—child abuse. I am a survivor of 11 years of incestual molestation at the hand of a distant family member. It is important for people to know that abuse can present itself in numerous different ways—no two cases are identical. A child could be emotionally, physically, sexually abused, or a combination of the three. Here in Waco, Texas we have great organizations like Arrow Child and Family Ministries, The Advocacy Center at 2323 Columbus Avenue, and the Crimes against Children department of the Waco PD to help deal with our local cases.
According to http://www.childhelp.org/pages/statistics:
- A report of child abuse is made every ten seconds.
- Almost five children die every day as a result of child abuse. More than three out of four are under the age of 4.
- It is estimated that between 60-85% of child fatalities due to maltreatment are not recorded as such on death certificates.
- 90% of child sexual abuse victims know the perpetrator in some way; 68% are abused by family members.
- Child abuse occurs at every socioeconomic level, across ethnic and cultural lines, within all religions and at all levels of education.
- 31% percent of women in prison in the United States were abused as children.
- Over 60% of people in drug rehabilitation centers report being abused or neglected as a child.
- About 30% of abused and neglected children will later abuse their own children, continuing the horrible cycle of abuse.
- About 80% of 21 year old that were abused as children met criteria for at least one psychological disorder.
- The estimated annual cost of child abuse and neglect in the United States for 2007 is $104 billion.
Sometimes it is very difficult for a non-abused person to spot the warning signs and know where to turn to get a child the help that they need. Author Anita E. Wladichuk is a fellow abuse survivor and child rights advocate. She states that “...there are many descriptions of child abuse experienced in all communities, ethnic backgrounds, religions, cultures, as well as social and economic classes. Child abuse is also experienced by males and females”.
According to Anita, an important step towards the Prevention and Awareness of Child Abuse isproviding our children with the necessary tools so they can be better equipped to protect themselves from becoming victimized. We need to continue to break the silence and secrecy that surrounds the tragic reality that “Child Abuse is a Worldwide Epidemic.”
Anita agreed to answer a series of questions about child abuse and offer her opinion on a variety of abuse topics.
Q. What is your experience with child abuse?
A. My personal experience has included being abandoned, abducted, and abused (physically, emotionally, and sexually) by the time I was 13. In addition, I was bullied at school physically and emotionally. After the age of 13, my life was still one of physical and emotional abuse until I moved out on my own at the age of 22.
Q. In your opinion what are the signs to look for in a child you suspect to be abused?
A. There are many signs indicating possible child abuse. Child abuse falls under physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. In addition to the physical signs of child abuse, there are also behavioural signs. A pattern of both the physical and behavioural signs increases the chance of suspecting that a child is being abused.
Some examples of physical abuse includes: bruises, cuts, burns, bite marks, fractures.
Some examples of emotional abuse includes: bedwetting/diarrhea, nightmares, frequent psychosomatic complaints (headaches, nausea, abdominal pain).
Some examples of sexual abuse includes: itching in the genital/anal area, torn, stained or bloody underwear, pregnancy, venereal disease, injuries to the vaginal or anal areas such as bruising, swelling, or infection.
Q. What is the protocol for reporting child abuse?
A. If we believe that a child is being abused, we have a legal as well as moral obligation to report this to any or all of the following: police, child protection agency, hospital, mental health centre, distress centre, or community service organization providing counselling to children and families.
Q. What actions have you personally taken to make others aware of and help prevent child abuse?
A. The first step that I have taken to make others aware of and help spread the message to prevent child abuse is in the writing and publishing of my book, “Anastasia and The Ghostly Owl (The Choice Was Hers!).” Because of the positive feedback to my book, my next step involved going to conferences, doing presentations, accepting invitations for internet talk shows and most recently a podcast:
- Dr. Kathleen Brooks – Ethicalife
- Dr. Beth – Compassionate Parenting: Part 1, Part 11
- Christina and Jerry Romero – Miles4Kids Podcast
In addition, I provide three Chapter Readings from “Anastasia and The Ghostly Owl (The Choice Was Hers!)” to highlight the deadly culprits of Silence and Secrets as well as the vulnerability of children because they naturally grow up to trust and love those close to them unconditionally.
- Chapter 4 – Silence
- Chapter 5 – Secrets
- Chapter 6 – Unconditional Love
The purpose of all that I have done has been to discuss my book because the adversity that I present is that of child abuse. It is my story presented in an uncharacteristic manner in that it does not go into the details of abuse. Instead, I present thetwo themes of having “hope” and of “facing adversity” throughout the character’s journey. In addition to selling my book at conferences or presentations, I began to make Blue Ribbons to educate individuals and bring awareness of the symbolic meaning of the Blue Ribbon. These Blue Ribbons were a success and available to all that wanted one. Finally, I added an Informational and Inspirational Blue Ribbon Slideshow to my website.
Q. What advice do you have for a parent whose child has been victimized?
A. The best that a parent can do for their child who has been victimized is to be supportive of the child in dealing with what has happened to him or her. It is important for the parent to dig deep down and develop the courage to break the silence and report what has happened. The following review of “Anastasia and The Ghostly Owl (The Choice Was Hers!)” from a parent who has experienced her daughter being victimized helps to sum up this question perfectly:
“This book helped open my eyes to what children go through when dealing with life’s hardships. It helped me to realize that you can’t judge a book by its cover. That the struggle for acceptance, love, and acknowledgement or to be recognized can consume & overwhelm a child . . . it shows that despite adversity, you can turn your life around and soar to any height you dream possible. Thank you for sharing with me Anita.” - Kimberly Cheryl – Author: Shattered Reality.
As parents, we do need to provide our children with the necessary tools so they can be better equipped to protect themselves from becoming victimized.
Q. What resources do you recommend for an abused child?
A. Information is available through Child-services Government Agencies. Here in British Columbia, some of these agencies include:
Information is available through:
- The National Clearinghouse on Family Violence, Family Violence Prevention Unit in Ottawa, Ontario
- Department of Justice Canada
- Many people have read my book, “Anastasia and The Ghostly Owl (The Choice Was Hers)”, and the reviews have been positive and encouraging. I believe my book shares worthwhile insights and can help people deal with abuse. Anyone can read reviews at my Website.
Let’s transform and eradicate the tragic reality that Child Abuse is a Worldwide Epidemic To Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention is a Worldwide Epidemic!
Anita is right. Child abuse is a world-wide epidemic. Don’t keep your head stuck in the sand and ignore the warning signs. Aware adults have the responsibility to step in and come to the rescue of a child that they believe to be the victim of abuse. What will you do to help stop the cycle of abuse?
Please check out my abuse survivor children’s book entitled “Why Did This Happen to Me, Aunt Lou?” at auntloubooks.weebly.com.
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