Spiritual Sunday

This is a continuance about last week's article "To Heal the Shattering Consequences of Abuse"

This talk was given while I was in group #2. My mom had just told me that she had a "weird feeling" about J, that something might be going on. I had just realized some red flags that I showed while the abuse was going on with J that my mom ignored. It was hard knowing that she had a hunch it was going on and did nothing. But at the same time, dwelling on that wasn't making it any better. I just had to promise myself that I would not ignore anyone else's warning signs of abuse.

There is also this great article on Oprah.com-
Warning Signs of Abuse in Children

If you're a child who has been sexually abused, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 800-4-A-CHILD (800-422-4453) for help or visit www.childhelpusa.org.

If you're a parent, grandparent or guardian, the following signs may indicate your child has been molested, according to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Some of these behaviors may have other explanations, but it is important to assist your child no matter what the cause. Also, keep in mind that children do not always demonstrate obvious signs, but may do or say something that hints at the molestation.

• Changes in behavior, extreme mood swings, withdrawal, fearfulness and excessive crying
• Bed-wetting, nightmares, fear of going to bed or other sleep disturbances
• Acting out with inappropriate sexual activity or showing an unusual interest in sexual matters
• A sudden acting out of feelings or aggressive or rebellious behavior
• Regression to infantile behavior; clinging
• School or behavioral problems
• Changes in toilet-training habits
• A fear of certain places, people or activities
• Bruises, rashes, cuts, limping; multiple or poorly explained injuries