Elizabeth raises a very important point:
Children growing up need role models to help them make sense of the world. Role models give children an idol, someone to count on and guide them through life’s ups and downs. A child growing up in a loving family will automatically be exposed to how their parents treat them and behave around them. Don’t get me wrong, all families have their set of problems, but not all families are torn apart by abuse and trauma. If a child has never had a positive role model, they will grow up to be at a disadvantage in many developmental milestones, especially social skills. If your parents never hugged you, how can you know what a hug feels like? If your parents never talked to you, how can you develop speech patterns and convey meaning in language? An abused child misses out on so much.
This is why having survivor voices is so important. When kids don’t see anyone who’s been through it and come out the other side, how would they know it’s possible? I know it’s not fun to talk about. I know it’s a downer to listen to. But imagine a world where you lived through a traumatic and abusive childhood and didn’t see anyone else who had a similar experience, leaving you with the impression that no one gets better.
I’d much rather have some difficult conversations and for all of us to be uncomfortable with the topic than for that kid to feel that alone.
https://cptsdfoundation.org/2024/07/15/the-importance-of-role-models-for-survivors-of-abuse/