Photo by Pragyan Bezbaruah
DRY YOUR EYES, GIRL by Christina Balzani is a harrowing book on surviving child sexual abuse (CSA) and living a life that goes beyond that.
The book serves as a good jumping-off point on how CSA can be avoided, but if we, as a society, really want to deal with abuses on children systemically, comprehensive education for adults AND children is sorely needed. Knowing better is best for everyone involved.
Knowing Better
Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a horrific violation of a child’s innocence and trust. The scars that are left can be devastating to either or all of their physical, emotional, and emotional well-being. The aftermath almost always lasts a lifetime.
Across the globe, children of all ages, genders, and backgrounds are affected. While the issue is complex and multifaceted, one of the most powerful tools against CSA is education.
By empowering children, parents, educators, and communities with knowledge, we can create a safer environment where abuse is more readily recognized so as to prevent it, and the survivors of CSA are able to receive the support they desperately need.
Knowing better is critical if we are to stop these horrors and heal those who have suffered from them. CSA is no laughing matter, and it demands all of our collective effort to stop.
The Scope of CSA’s Impact
The magnitude of CSA is vast. All aspects of the individual’s life are warped beyond recognition. Data on CSA is constantly underreported due to the stigma surrounding it. There are many considerations to take when CSA occurs; however, the available statistics paint a very grim and bleak picture.
These long-term consequences highlight the immediate need for effective education as a cornerstone of the effort to combat CSA both on the local and global stage.
Millions of children worldwide experience sexual abuse each year, with often irreversible consequences. CSA survivors suffer from physical health problems, mental health issues, behavioral problems, developmental delays, and relationship difficulties.
Photo by Aa Dil
How Education Can Combat Child Abuse
Education plays a vital role in preventing CSA by empowering children. Children need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to recognize, resist, and report abuse. Knowing better–literally–can help save their lives and the lives of others around them.
Children should learn about what is an appropriate touch, understanding that their bodies are their own and that they have the right to say “no” to anyone who makes them uncomfortable. This includes teaching them the correct names for body parts so they can better inform the necessary people of what happened to them.
The concept of personal boundaries and learning how to assert them is also necessary. Children should know that it’s okay to say “no” to adults, even trusted adults, if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Consequently, children should learn how to identify adults that they can talk to if they experience abuse or have concerns about their safety. This could be a parent, relative, teacher, counselor, or another trusted individual.
Importantly, at a young age, children should start learning the difference between good secrets (like a surprise birthday party) and bad secrets (those that make them feel scared or uncomfortable). They should be taught that no matter what an adult tells them, they should never keep a secret that makes them feel unsafe, and they should always tell a trusted adult if it occurs.
Lastly, technology can be both a risk and an opportunity in the fight against CSA. While the internet is used to exploit and abuse children, it is also a powerful tool for education and prevention. However, it’s crucial to educate children and parents about online safety and the risks of online exploitation.
Photo by Johannes Plenio
A Movement of Knowing Better
Child sexual abuse is a complex and devastating issue that requires a collective and comprehensive effort that acknowledges education as a critical component.
While there will always remain challenges, the power of education to prevent and address CSA cannot be overstated. By working together, we can create a future where all children are safe from sexual abuse, and survivors receive the support they need to heal and thrive. Knowing better is the first step towards building that future.
This is not just a moral imperative; it is a fundamental human right.
If you want to learn more about CSA from the perspective of a survivor, Christina Balzani’s DRY YOUR EYES, GIRL is available for order through this link.
