Becoming a Steward of Children

Child sexual abuse wreaks havoc upon kids.  A child’s developing body is not built for abuse, especially sexual abuse.  Sexual abuse not only harms their little bodies, but can also leave ongoing social and emotional scars upon the boy or girl.  In some cases, the child suffers developmentally and may never experience the joys of a healthy sexual relationship or becoming a parent as an adult.  They can grow up feeling helpless, humiliated, and develop a deep mistrust of others.  For others, childhood sexual assault can lead to becoming prey to other predators because of their psychologically weakened state.

Kids who are sexually violated by adults and older kids often regress.  They start to suck their thumbs and wet the bed, have bad dreams, tummy aches, and problems at school.  They may withdraw from others and stop getting along with other children.   

Many survivors of childhood sexual abuse turn to drugs, alcohol, promiscuity, and other addictive behaviors.  They are prone to depression, anxiety, and harmful sleep patterns.  Unhealthy relationship choices and sexual misconduct can plague a victim throughout the lifespan.  The sense of betrayal, helplessness, stigmatization, and underlying rage can continue to plague a victim throughout their lives until the hidden hurt and violation is brought to the light.  

          

Darkness to Light is an organization that realizes the harmful and long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse.  Calling it the most prevalent health problem children face with the most serious array of aftereffects, this organization offers a two hour training program that calls to ordinary people to do their part in putting an end to this very preventable problem.  The Stewards of Children Personal Prevention Plan introduces adults to actual survivors with true accounts of their ordeals and how exposing their dark secrets brought light and healing to their wounded psyches and spirits.  These survivors lived through child sexual abuse, experienced its immediate and long-term effects, and eventually were able to find healing. You'll meet experts who work with children and families and confront abuse on a daily basis. Many of these survivors and experts in the field are parents, community leaders, and public spokespersons who give their voice to protect and shield those who are too young and vulnerable to speak for themselves.

Join with them and prepare to learn the five basic steps of preventing sexual abuse from happening to the children in your life.  It only takes one person who takes a stand within their family, their organization, their church, and their community to make our world safer and protect our children from sexual abuse.  Let that person be YOU!  Call Transitions today at (570) 523-1134 to find out how to bring Stewards of Children training to you or your workplace, church, or organization.

Written by: Eckie Friar, Authorized Stewards of Children Facilitator