on the topic of CSA:

uhrair:

as a child, up until the age of 17, i was sexually abused by my grandfather. upon discovering this fact about me, a question i often here is “why didn’t you tell sooner? why did you wait 17 years?” 

and the answer to that is always, i simply didn’t know better. and that is the problem. childhood sexual assault victims often don’t know they are being abused. in fact, their abusers will use tactics such as gaslighting and threats, to keep themselves from being outed.

children often do not have the means to protect themselves or spot a dangerous situation, and as adults, it is our responsibility to watch out for warning signs, and to be conscious of our own actions. it may be an uncomfortable topic to discuss and educate yourself about, but trust me, it is an absolute NIGHTMARE for the children living through it. below are a few resources to get you started. 

warning signs of a potentially dangerous adult: (x) (x)

• encourages child to keep secrets
• insists on physical contact (hugging, kissing, etc) even if child is visibly uncomfortable
• will try to make the child feel older (compliment their maturity)
• will share personal information and seek consolation from children rather than adults
• insists on alone time with children
• is overly involved with child’s developing sexualities
• gives children toys, money, and other gifts for seemingly no reason

if you are a minor and being sexually abused, the following hotlines are dedicated to helping you:

DARKNESS TO LIGHT HOTLINE: 1-866-367-5444
RAINN: 1-800-656-4673

if you are concerned that a child you know may be in danger of being sexually abused, this is a list of potential warning signs. you can call the following hotline for more advice.

STOP IT NOW: 1-888-PREVENT 

if you are in immediate danger, call your local emergency number.

and from what survivor to another: what your abuser did to you is not your fault. as a minor, it is the responsibility of the adult to keep you safe and out of harms way. they failed you. you are not dirty. you are not disgusting. you were hurt in an unfair way. you will make it through this.