This keeps us all from dealing with the reality of childhood sexual abuse\u00a0openly and effectively. It prevents us from\u00a0healing, recovering well, re-establishing trust and protecting others.<\/div>\n
Silence is easier. Silence seems easier.<\/em> Silence is expected.<\/p>\nSurvivors are encouraged to keep silent\u2014by abusers who often threaten or manipulate, by family members who \u201ccan\u2019t believe it\u201d or\u00a0who are made uncomfortable and by a society that suggests these are issues that should be worked out in a home.<\/p>\n
Who and what are we protecting when we insist on silence?<\/em><\/p>\nWe need to get more clear, open and vocal on the topic of childhood sexual abuse, because<\/em> it makes people uncomfortable.<\/p>\nWe need to talk more about\u00a0safety, bodily integrity,\u00a0boundaries and respect for children\u2019s bodies. We can\u2019t work on prevention if we don\u2019t acknowledge this is a serious and frequent problem that faces by 25 to 33 percent of all children.<\/p>\n
We can\u2019t share tips on recovery and healing, if we can\u2019t say what we are struggling with and healing from.<\/p>\n
But ending the silence requires more than words.<\/p>\n
It requires listening.<\/p>\n
We\u00a0need<\/em> to listen.<\/p>\nWhen children speak in symptoms (bed wetting, food problems, behavior issues.)<\/p>\n
Or when children (or adults) find the words.<\/p>\n
We need to respond when people share\u2014like Carly Simon is doing.<\/p>\n
We need to say, \u201cThank you for telling the truth.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nWe need to say, \u201cI\u2019m sorry that happened to you.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nHow can I help?\u00a0What can be done now?<\/p>\n
We need to learn.<\/p>\n
Carly Simon\u2019s abuse started when she was seven years old\u2014she is talking about it at age 70.<\/p>\n
All the way driving home, I kept thinking, \u201cCarly Simon is a survivor.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nI felt\u00a0compassion for that pained\u00a0girl and woman too. I felt\u00a0admiration for the strong woman and the scrappy kid\u00a0who survived.<\/em><\/p>\nJust seeing her face, after reading her words, I could see that telling her truth is\u00a0powerful.<\/p>\n
This celebrity, who has graced us with the power of her words in song for years and years\u2014this gifted and talented musician and lyricist\u2014she is also a survivor.<\/p>\n
Her\u00a0admissions reach my core as much as her music does\u2014they are folk wisdom wise and tender, they are a rocking anthem of rebellion, they are lullaby truth, chant and mantra.<\/p>\n
She\u00a0is not alone.<\/p>\n
I am not alone.<\/p>\n
We are not alone.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n