Link – ‘No secret’ families help protect children from sexual abuse
It may not be the only thing we need to do in terms of combating child abuse, but there is simply nothing more important than this:
“Clearly, parents need to prepare children for the mental games of secrecy and grooming that characterize most childhood sexual abuse. Levine and Klein observe that while abusers may use force, “more often they will use trickery.” And the greatest trickery of all?
“Don’t tell your mom.”
“Don’t tell your dad.”
“This is our special secret.”
Children need to be warned that they will be asked to keep secrets and they need to know that any older child or adult who asks them to keep secrets has done something wrong. Levine and Klein encourage parents to support their children in noticing and trusting their gut instincts and asking for help immediately (“say no and tell”). Finally, parents must assure their children that they will be believed and protected — no matter who the person is or what consequence was threatened should the child reveal the secret.”
http://www.phillyvoice.com/no-secret-families-help-protect-children-from-sexual-abuse/
