When I was in elementary school I once had a friend confess to me that her brother had done what is now commonly referred to as child molestation. At the time I had no knowledge of rape, sexual assault, or molestation. The only thing I really understood was that her brother did something wrong. After my friend told me her secret she swore that the molestation took place a long time ago and he had not touched her since.
Because I did not understand what molestation was - let alone sex- I was not able to help her. I have kept that secret with me until today. Because what my friend had shared with me was so horrific I placed it into the back of my mind until now. I also recently became aware of someone else close in my life that was molested by her father. At this point I knew something had to be done. I can no longer sit by and see the affects of my friends suffering from molestation and sexual assault. On this day I have decided to take a stand.
One in four children fall victim to inappropriate touching. Eighty-five percent of the predators are known to the victim. Thinking that, “it won’t happen to my kids,” or “I’m pretty aware of what goes on,” is exactly what pedophiles hope you will think.
I believe that topics leading to, or describing what molestation is needs to be discussed in elementary school. This subject must enter into the education system to help prevent it. Children need to know what is considered appropriate touching and what is not. They need to know that there is someone available in their school to talk to and who will support them. The education system must create an open door policy for its teachers and administrators so that students can feel comfortable going to authorities.
Schools can also bring in speakers and presenters that act out scenarios on what it okay touching and what is not. Children should know how to protect themselves. Just like our youth are taught how to say no to drugs they need to be taught the phrase, “No, or I’m going to tell!”
I truly believe that if I knew then what I know now I would have been able to speak out about my friend’s molestation and get her help. As she and I grew up I began to see the negative effects the assault had on her. She became very distant, her grades lowered, she started smoking cigarettes, and eventually dropped out of school. The other friend I mentioned who was molested by her father was able to receive help and was removed from the situation. She is no longer a victim, but a survivor.
As the candidate for Miss Black California my mission is to be a voice for these children. It is never too late to get involved and prevent a tragic situation. Education on molestation must be provided today to give our children hope for tomorrow.
