Molestation of Children Within Families Is More Common Than You Think

Did you know it is against the law to choose not to report child sex abuse?
 
This means that if you are in a position where you learn of a child being sexually abused, and for whatever reason you choose not to report it, if later on the abuse comes to the surface and the offender is prosecuted, you could be held liable for negligence. 
 
Know also that the law varies in some states and is dependent upon the circumstances involved.
 
Child sexual abuse is a prevalent issue in the United States.  Varying statics site as much as one in four girls and one in six boys are sexually abused before age eighteen.  Molestation is sexual abuse that comes in different forms. It involves consistent sexual contact with a victim that is usually an acquaintance which includes touching, sexual suggestion, pornographic materials, threats … and, intimidation, resulting in touching and penetration.
 
The shocking truth is that children are more likely to be abused by a family member, or someone they know who is close to the family… than a stranger.
 
It is most difficult when the molestation is intra-familial.  The burden placed on the care-taker is the struggle between forgiving the predator and quietly keeping the betrayal within the family walls … outwardly denying the claims made … or … calling the authorities and having the claim investigated, with the possibility of possible prosecution.
 
It becomes, in reality … a choice between the predator … or … the victim.
 
The choice … undoubtedly is a difficult one … either way.  So, why not choose the right one? Protect and support the victim.
 
Ref:  http://www.childrefuge.org/child-molestation/intra-familial-molestation.html
 
Debbie Barth:10/25/2018 at 1:31 pm ET
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Debbie Barth is the author of The Promise Book: Tell Someone.  Her goal is to aid parents who understand the necessity of talking to their children about child predators in way that doesn’t confuse or scare them.
The book is available on Amazon and at www.thisisdebbiebarth.com
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