April 24, 2009
Child Abuse Prevention Month: Some Good News
Well, Child Abuse Prevention Month is drawing to a close. I don't feel like I participated in as much advocacy and awareness-raising for this month as I would have liked to. I've been dealing with a lot of "feeling the feelings" and grieving from my own child abuse history. I want to thank everyone who sent cyber hugs and kept me in your thoughts and prayers this past week. I have to say, the outpouring of compassion I received here at my blog, through e-mail, and on Twitter and The Child Abuse Survivor ning network has been truly touching. This survivor community means a lot to me.
Through my therapy and healing journey, I've learned how to keep healthy grief from turning into despair. One of the ways we can do that is by answering the question: "What can I do?" Another way to avoid despair is to look at the good news and the victories in child protection.
Connect for Kids has a wonderful article reprinted on their website that highlights the Top Youth Activism Victories of 2008.
I found the highlights list inspiring. Here are some victory examples:
It's a relief and an inspiration to learn what others are doing to improve the lives of children. But, what can we do to prevent child abuse? Here are some tips from a couple of my favorite "ways to prevent abuse" lists.
From Prevent Child Abuse America:
Be informed. Get involved.
Through my therapy and healing journey, I've learned how to keep healthy grief from turning into despair. One of the ways we can do that is by answering the question: "What can I do?" Another way to avoid despair is to look at the good news and the victories in child protection.
Connect for Kids has a wonderful article reprinted on their website that highlights the Top Youth Activism Victories of 2008.
I found the highlights list inspiring. Here are some victory examples:
- A farm labor coalition that's working to end involuntary servitude (slavery) and improve wages and conditions for pickers
- An acknowledgment of disappearing, traditional blue-collar labor and creation of green collar jobs; equipping young workers with the skills to work in renewable energy industries
- Student-led solutions: Students keep their peers in school and combat high school dropout rates
It's a relief and an inspiration to learn what others are doing to improve the lives of children. But, what can we do to prevent child abuse? Here are some tips from a couple of my favorite "ways to prevent abuse" lists.
From Prevent Child Abuse America:
- Anything you do to support kids and parents can help reduce the stress that often leads to abuse and neglect.
- Be a friend to a parent you know. Ask how their children are doing. Draw on your own experiences to provide reassurance and support. If a parent seems to be struggling, offer to baby-sit or run errands, or just lend a friendly ear. Show you understand.
- Be a friend to a child you know. Remember their names. Smile when you talk with them. Ask them about their day at school. Send them a card in the mail. Show you care.
- Talk to your neighbors about looking out for one another's children. Encourage a supportive spirit among parents in your apartment building or on your block. Show that you are involved.
- Give your used clothing, furniture and toys for use by another family. This can help relieve the stress of financial burdens that parents sometimes take out on their kids.
- Volunteer your time and money for programs in your community that support children and families, like parent support groups or day care centers.
- Learn the facts
- Minimize opportunity
- Talk about it
- Stay alert
- Make a plan
- Act on suspicions
- Get involved
I'll leave you with a video from the Child Welfare Information Gateway, which has a lot of information on Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Be informed. Get involved.
Labels: advocacy, awareness, child abuse, child protection, childhood sexual abuse, community
Comments:
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i think it's wonderful that you spend time both doing advocacy and posting information like this on your site AS WELL AS write for yourself and express what you're going through. both are so inspiring and i'm so glad you get the support you need. :)
# posted by 
: April 24, 2009 1:46 PM
: April 24, 2009 1:46 PM
Marj, it is so very encouraging to read this and to see the benefits it is helping you to cope. Tonight I am not doing well, but reading this helps me. Blessings dear one!
you're such an inspiration marj.
i gave you an award on my blog.
http://pictureofexperience.blogspot.com/
i gave you an award on my blog.
http://pictureofexperience.blogspot.com/
Mountainmama: Thank you for saying that. Sometimes I feel like a big, fat fraud talking about thriving. But, on the other hand, I want to be real here. I want others, who are also hurting, to know that they are not alone. I know at least part of their pain.
JBR: Yeah, we gotta share some good news once in a while, right? I'll leave some hugs at your blog.
Cornnut: Oh, you know just what to say. I don't feel like much of an inspiration today--still sitting around in my jammie lounge pants and it's almost noon! ;) I'll come to your blog and check it out. Thanks!
JBR: Yeah, we gotta share some good news once in a while, right? I'll leave some hugs at your blog.
Cornnut: Oh, you know just what to say. I don't feel like much of an inspiration today--still sitting around in my jammie lounge pants and it's almost noon! ;) I'll come to your blog and check it out. Thanks!
hi marj, i wanted to say that regarding you thinking your in any way a fraud talking about thriving, that that sounds like your inner critic telling you lies. one of my favorite songs is by ann reed, called the road of the heart, and she sings:
two steps forward
one step back
that's progress for you
that's the way to stay on track
and as stuart smalley says "progress not perfection" right? :)
all this is to say, in my less secure moments, i sometimes believe that to be "successful" i need to have all my issues completely worked out, recovered completely, be self-actualized, whole, etc. but it's a life-long process and the important thing is that no matter what happens, we grow and still have things to learn.
the fact that you still have problems just shows me that no matter how far you've come, you are still able to be honest and vulnerable and real and that is so encouraging to see. that i don't have to have all my stuff figured out to be a thriver. you're an inspiration :) thank you~
two steps forward
one step back
that's progress for you
that's the way to stay on track
and as stuart smalley says "progress not perfection" right? :)
all this is to say, in my less secure moments, i sometimes believe that to be "successful" i need to have all my issues completely worked out, recovered completely, be self-actualized, whole, etc. but it's a life-long process and the important thing is that no matter what happens, we grow and still have things to learn.
the fact that you still have problems just shows me that no matter how far you've come, you are still able to be honest and vulnerable and real and that is so encouraging to see. that i don't have to have all my stuff figured out to be a thriver. you're an inspiration :) thank you~
# posted by : April 26, 2009 1:54 PM
: April 26, 2009 1:54 PM
Mountainmama: Your comment actually brought tears to my eyes. It just goes to show that someone you just met in the blogosphere can truly touch your heart, your mind and your soul. Thank you...and blessings to you.
dear marj, i'm so glad i was of some comfort! :) i hated to see you beating up on yourself in the slightest~
i can identify because my inner critic can be pretty harsh. i'm working on developing a positive nurturing self-loving inner voice, but some days it's two steps forward, one step back, and then i go in circles :)
here's a nice safe hug for you if you want one {{hug}}
i can identify because my inner critic can be pretty harsh. i'm working on developing a positive nurturing self-loving inner voice, but some days it's two steps forward, one step back, and then i go in circles :)
here's a nice safe hug for you if you want one {{hug}}
# posted by : April 27, 2009 10:30 AM
: April 27, 2009 10:30 AM
Great job on getting the word out. (:-) Its happened to quite a few of us, but we are also proof that it can be survived. And you missy....you ARE thriving! Here let me tell you how I see your thriving.
hehe
1) you're a loving mother
2) You are in a loving relationship
3) You are an educator for those just experiencing the pains of what life can bring to the table
4) You are proof that great things can still come from life after great pain.
5) You're a very supportive friend, and I've never even met you face to face.
6) You share. You share your life, your pain, your mountains and your accomplishments!
Those 6 things alone prove to me that you are a fighter and a thriver! So when you doubt your ability to thrive you just come back here and read this, or get a hold of me and I will remind you!!! :-)
Hope you are doing well my friend!
hehe
1) you're a loving mother
2) You are in a loving relationship
3) You are an educator for those just experiencing the pains of what life can bring to the table
4) You are proof that great things can still come from life after great pain.
5) You're a very supportive friend, and I've never even met you face to face.
6) You share. You share your life, your pain, your mountains and your accomplishments!
Those 6 things alone prove to me that you are a fighter and a thriver! So when you doubt your ability to thrive you just come back here and read this, or get a hold of me and I will remind you!!! :-)
Hope you are doing well my friend!
Jade: Wow! I actually get a numbered list. Thanks for the thought that went into this comment. Exhausted from another "extra" T session today. So, your words are like a soothing balm. I needed that, thanks!
I think anything we do is something big. Even if it's little and small in effort. Does that make sense?
Marj, I have an award waiting for you in the post "Just Be Real Award." Come by and take of it dear one!
Cassie: Thanks for those hugs. Nice to see you, stranger!
Thanks, April!
JBR: Ooo! Goodie! I'll come take a look.
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Thanks, April!
JBR: Ooo! Goodie! I'll come take a look.
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