Signs of Child Abuse
April is child abuse awareness month. To me, this is a very important month.
There are many children out there who are suffering abuse in their homes.
Abuse is not always physical, and sometimes the verbal abuse can be worse than the physical side. The sad thing is, so many children hide what is happening to them that many of us do not even know they are suffering.
Children are more resilient than you could ever imagine. Even when they are breaking inside. So that little girl down the street who seems to be OK, could very well be the one suffering the most and just afraid to speak about it.
I know this because that child was me at one time.
You would have never known. I had straight A's, I had close friends, and I tried my best to keep a smile on my face. Even some of my friends were unaware of the situations at hand. They knew I tried my best to find friends' houses to stay at as much as possible. They knew I had to borrow their clothes to wear because I was being forced to wear the same outfit for a week straight. But they never really got to hear the full extent.
The sleepless nights wondering when you will see the next hand, belt, switch.. when would you be told you would never amount to anything in life or that you weren't wanted to begin with and your parents don't know why they didn't abort. When I said verbal pain can be worse then physical, I meant it.
I would have much rather been beat daily and loved on after than to be told I wasn't wanted and should have never been brought onto this earth. I went through many years of self hatred, drugs, and wanting to die.
Luckily, I was blessed with great friends with whom I learned the real meaning of life from. I learned that I was wanted and valued and that I needed to get my life back. I am lucky to be one who has overcome child abuse and grown into a much better person as a result. But, not every child is as lucky.
Some are beaten to the point of death. Some choose their own death. And others grow so used to the abuse that they get into abusive relationships, abuse their own kids, and continue the cycle of life that no one should ever have to experience.
So take this month to spread awareness for a cause. Our future generations are at stake and the only ones who can change it are ourselves. If you know someone who is suffering and haven't decided to speak up or just suspect someone of suffering and are too afraid to reach out, please take the time now to do something about it.
These children need your help and are begging for it even if they are not speaking up. Look for signs and do anything you can to help before it is too late.
About the Author: I write the review blog Thrifty Mom's Reviews and More.
I will be 26 on April 11 and am the mother of a beautiful 1 year old son.
I personally went through child abuse in many forms growing up and after overcoming the entire ordeal I try my best to stand up and speak out for others who have no voice.
Feel free to check out my blog for reviews, giveaways, and stories of my life as I continue on my journey of raising my own son the way I wish I had been raised.
Wow is all I can say I am so sorry you had to go through this but I am glad you shared your story as it might help someone else. I would love to have you share your story on my blog as well.
Glenda Cates recently posted..Print $1.00 Off Coupon on Cooking Light Magazine