Sexual Violence Against Children

I was just reading an applied research study entitled, The Psychological Consequences of Sexual Trauma--which stated, 

...contrary to public opinion, sexual violence against children is fairly common...

I wasn't exactly prepared for that statement. I mean, I know sexual violence, period, is common, but to hear that about children....

I happen to converse regularly with several mothers who have either lost custody, completely, or partially, to their ex husbands because they reported sexual abuse.

The court doesn't like to hear about sexual abuse (that's why PAS was invented). But then again the court, and the system, is A MAN.

Yes, I know, some of them are women, but you miss my point here. Those that are women are operating in the confounds of a patriarchal system in which they accept the dominate culture as the truth. They are lost.

When I told a counselor about the symptoms my child used to have, the counselor mentioned that it was a red flag for previous sexual abuse.

SEXUAL ABUSE??? WTF?

I cringed at the thought, nodded my head in dissent because, in my mind, that was waaaaay to sick to consider. In fact, I felt like running away from the office at that point.  I said my child was physically abused---but I didn't mean THAT! 

But now that I've sat on the idea it makes me sympathetic to those that have come forth, only to have their parents deny its existence. And I won't be that type of parent if my child ever comes to me now, or later, with that information.

Parents reject it because they are not ready for it, not because they don't believe it.

Anyway, it is hard for me to imagine what these women must feel in not being able to protect their children. Powerless, to name only one. I really wish that these women would take their children and run. I swear--that is the best answer I can give.  RUN.