What is Normal in Child Sexuality?

What is normal in child sexuality? The media is saturated with sexual innuendos and connotations. Sometimes, it's not so hidden, but blatant in your face sexual behavior. Children mimic what they see, hear, witness and experience; the good, the bad and the ugly. Sometimes they are just acting out, sometimes it is much more. How do you know?

The fact is, many instances of child abuse goes unnoticed and unreported, not because people don't care, but because most are not sure what to do.

Ask yourself what you would do in the following situations?

You witness a four-year-old girl masturbating at your son's daycare during nap-time?

Your nephew is spending the weekend with you and your children, you notice him acting out sexually with a toy or another child?

You see a child with two black eyes in Walmart with his drunk father who is verbally abusing the him?

There is ONE answer for all of these situations:

If the child seems to be in immediate danger call 911!

Believe the child! Children rarely lie about abuse, in action or verbally.

Realize that it's not your fault and remove any sense of guilt from yourself and the child.

Do not question the child or the parents, instead comfort her/him and allow the child to express any feelings he/she may have concerning this matter.

Contact your local child welfare department, asap. If you are in Madison County, please call (256) 535-4500. (In most instances, you may remain anonymous)

It's not your job to figure out whether "it" really happened or not, leave that up to the professionals. If you suspect child abuse, your call may save a life.

The situation you come in contact with may not be as drastic as the one's listed above, most cases won't be. In fact, most instances are subtle and gradually become worse. The parents who abuse children are often overwhelmed and unaware of the resources available to them. There are ways they can become the parents their children deserve.

Alabama law is clear on reporting abuse and neglect of children under the age of 18. If you are someone who comes in regular contact with children, you can help. For more information, please visit www.dhr.state.al.us.

If you work with children- physician, nurse, teacher, social worker, director, daycare worker or foster parents- you should be aware of your legal obligation to report incidents of suspected or obvious child abuse and neglect. If you are a concerned citizen, neighbor, friend or family member who is aware of such incidents, please contact Alabama Department of Human Resources.

If you are a survivor of abuse or neglect, there is hope for your future, be encouraged. Help is available and the road to recovery is waiting for you.

For healing workshops and trainings on child sexual abuse please visit, www.blackpoetreeworkshops.com/services.

For more info: To tell your story or to read stories of survivors, please visit, www.nopeddy.com.