Educate, empower and protect children from child sexual abuse - that's the driving force behind this amazing not-for-profit, Bravehearts.
I first heard of Bravehearts when my eldest son came home from school one day with a little booklet packed full of age appropriate information about personal safety. I spent time asking him questions about what he had learned, emphasised many of the important points and encouraged him to keep the booklet in a handy spot where he could read more and complete activities.
What I didn't talk about with him is my personal experience...
How do you tell your child that when you were not much older than him, in grade 4 of primary school, someone you were supposed to trust did not respect your personal safety..?
Pictured with my siblings, I am top right and about 13yrs old here.
I am a survivor of child sexual abuse. For years of my childhood I was molested by a family member. In high school I eventually spoke up about what had happened to me. I gave statements to police, from memory, over 10hrs worth of statements as a 14 year old. I had a hearing and I was granted a court case. The case took place when I was in grade 11 at a mere 15 years old. My perpetrator, a child molester, got off and was able to walk out of court free from any punishment while I carried the pain and the trauma with me.
Sadly it's not something I am healed from, I don't think I ever will be. I think I have got better with talking about it but it still affects my day to day. It impacts my relationships, it creates trust issues, it can trigger PTSD occurrences and it can make me hyper aware and maybe somewhat over-protective of my children.
I want to be able to share my story to support others who have been through similar as it always helps to be reminded you are not alone. I also want fellow parents and caregivers to know what to look out for, the signs and behaviours to be aware of and how to best educate and empower their children. Bravehearts have amazing resources on their website to help with education, prevention and support.
I couldn't be more honoured to be supporting Bravehearts. It helps contribute to the healing of my heart and my trauma, knowing I am able to support this amazing not-for-profit in making a difference in childrens' lives.
Big love, Steph x
1 comment
Big love to you xx