Hi everyone. Thanks for your interest in the story ‘Splintered’ and thanks for your feedback. The story seemed to have achieved its objective of bringing sexual abuse in the home to the forefront. This post will consider the main takeaways from the story.

Takeaways

Always give victims the benefit of the doubt – always assume that the victims are telling the truth, especially when they are children. It is much better to believe and it turns out they were mistaken or lying than not to believe them when they are telling the truth. Doubting the victims allow for continued abuse. Parents, never doubt or disbelieve your children if they tell you they have been sexually abused.

Be careful who you leave your children with – you may think someone is an uncle, aunt or trusted family friend, so it’s safe to leave your child with that person, but be very careful. Most perpetrators of sexual abuse in homes are closely affiliated with the affected families.

Never cover up incidents of sexual abuse in the home or elsewhere – the temptation may be there not to report acts of sexual abuse committed by family members because you feel the need to protect your family’s name. Unreported cases allow the perpetrators to get away with their crimes, this will embolden them to become repeat offenders. Report cases; save other children from becoming victims of sexual abuse.

Sometimes the best gift you can give your family is your time – Most parents aspire to provide the best for their children. Like Michael, many decide to leave their families and work abroad to earn more to fulfil this desire. However, sometimes it doesn’t work out. Sometimes when only one parent has to care for children he/she may become overwhelmed. This could result in children being placed in situations where they are susceptible to sexual abuse. For example, in Tina’s case, had Michael been around to help her, Lily may not have been left with her uncle. Michael and Tina were comfortable and could have gotten by with what they had but they felt it was important to provide more for their children, however parents need to understand that sometimes the best thing that they can do for their children is to be there for them. Give them the gift of their time.

Parents and other care givers please do everything possible to protect children from sexual abuse. Let us make it our responsibility to expose any sexual predators that we know of , particularly those who prey on people in their homes, especially children.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone. As usual, I look forward to your feedback. Stay well and safe.