Awareness & Education is Key

It is unfortunate that it takes national headlines to get people talking about a problem that is all too prevalent in our society, child sexual abuse.  However, we must take advantage of this opportunity to shine the light on the issue of child sexual abuse and recognize that as a community of believers, it is our responsibility to protect our most “vulnerable” members, our children.

Also, as a trained facilitator for Stewards of Children, an adult sexual abuse prevention training program, I know that child sexual abuse is preventable.  Awareness and Education is the key.

I am thankful to have this platform to share with you each month statistics, insight, strategies and resources to protect our children.  If we don’t protect our children, who will?

Child sexual abuse includes:

-any sexual act between an adult and a minor, or between two minors, when one exerts power over the other

-forcing, coercing or persuading a child to engage in any type of sexual act

-non-contact acts such as exhibitionism, exposure to pornography, voyeurism, and communicating in a sexual manner by phone or internet

(darkness to light)

·         Did you know that 1 in 10 children will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday?

·         Did you know that child sexual abuse is likely the most prevalent health problem children will face with the most serious array of consequences?

If you suspect that a child is being sexually abused, please call 911 or the Georgia DFACS Call Center at

1-855-GACHILD (1-855-422-4453) 24 hours /7 days a week

Call to Action: Let’s get involved in protecting our children from sexual abuse. We all have a role to play.  What will you commit to doing this month to protect a child?  One thing that you can do is share this article with a parent.

In His service,

Virginia

Please feel free to contact Virginia for further information at vbconsulting@bellsouth.net

SEPTEMBER 7, 2018