Identify The Predator
https://www.auntydebbysblog.com/2016/01/identify-predator.html
I think it’s safe to say that
we all know that it’s a dangerous world we now live in, there are Predators
everywhere, in schools, in religious houses, even at home, all ready to abuse our
children at the slightest opportunity. Some of these people could even be
relatives, neighbors or even parents…blah, blah, blah!
The disturbing thing is that
armed with this knowledge as we are, the reported cases of abuse still soar day
by day, not to mention the unreported cases. It’s like malaria being the
leading cause of death in Africa, even when we all know the simple preventive
and corrective measures for this disease. I mean I know children who grew up
suffering years and years of abuse and the parents had no clue, mostly thinking
they were effectively protecting these kids
Let’s face it, with work and
everything, we can’t be with our kids all day, so how exactly do you know that
someone isn’t fiddling with your kids in your absence? Well, I have read all
sorts of reports and articles and I’m most convinced that the best way, besides
loads and loads of relentless prayers, is to KNOW who your kids spend time
with. This does not mean, identifying these individuals. No, it goes beyond
that. It means shrinking them personally. So I’ll take you through a crash
course in shrinking. IT IS NOT FOOL PROOF, but it will certainly help you.
The first
thing you need to know is that, (contrary to what many will have you believe),
no human is born with a desire to hurt others, so when people hurt others, it’s
most likely a result of some hurt they have experienced or are experiencing
themselves. And sometimes, these people need help. YES I SAID IT, YOU CAN HELP
THEM.
The second
is that although we spend time talking about sexual abuse, there other kinds
that could be just as devastating to children. For instance, shaking or
shoving. Slapping or hitting. Beating with a belt, shoe or other object. Burning
a child with matches or cigarettes. Scalding a child with water that is too
hot. Pulling a child's hair out. Breaking a child's arm, leg, or other bones. Not
letting a child eat, drink or use the bathroom. All these are examples of
PHYSICAL abuse, and believe it or not, they happen, and not just in some
faraway land. They happen here. To clear the air, SEXUAL abuse can include ANY
of the following; Fondling a child's genitals. Having intercourse with a child.
Having oral sex with a child. Having sex in front of a child. Having a child
touch an older person's genitals. Using a child in pornography. Showing X-rated
books or movies to a child.
When
children are being abused, they are likely to display one or several of these
signs; Frequent injuries. Learning problems. Fear or shyness. Bad dreams. Behavior
problems. Depression. Fear of certain adults or places. You should also look
out for these signs; Cuts and bruises. Broken bones or internal injuries. Burns.
Constant hunger or thirst. Lack of interest in surroundings. Dirty hair or
skin, frequent diaper rash. Lack of supervision. Pain, bruising, or bleeding in
the genitals. More knowledge about sex than is normal for the child's age. Hard-to-believe
stories about how accidents occurred. Never take any of these signs for
granted.
A person is
likely to be abusive If he/she was abused as a child, is being abused by a
spouse or partner, uses alcohol or other drugs, or expects too much of a child.
It can also happen if they are worried about not having enough money, having problems
with spouses or partners, coping with a family member's illness or death or are
stressed from their jobs or other problems.
So take the
time to really know your children’s teachers and care givers. You just might
discover something worth discovering.
S. Martinson