86082023

STORY:

A 74-year-old former teacher faces 600 hundred years in prison after she repeatedly sexually abused a teenage boy at a private school in Wisconsin.

Anne N. Nelson-Koch was convicted on 25 counts linked to the attacks which took place in the 2016-2017 school year.

Daily mail reports that She would take the boy down the unnamed school’s basement to abuse him. Nelson-Koch was 67 at the time and the boy was 14.

Source: franktalknow.com

SENSES (Child Safeguarding and Protection Principle):

Sexual abuse, especially of children, has become an epidemic all over the world with horrifying statistics of victims shooting up the curve.

The prevalence of this menace requires that parents come up with effective measures to put it in check.

Lately, it seems like it has become common to see news stories involving the arrest of teachers who are being charged with sexual abuse and misconduct involving their students, some of whom are as young as 11 years old. Schools are expected to be a safe environment for children, but it seems not to be the case anymore as evident in the instant story.

Protecting children from sexual abuse is of the utmost importance hence the need to put in place appropriate measures towards protecting our precious children.

STONE (Call to action):

If you are concerned your child might be being sexually abused, there are warning signs you can look for. Keep in mind that the presence of one sign doesn’t necessarily mean your child is in danger, but seeing several signs should alert you to the need to ask questions.

In general:

• Unexplained nightmares or sleep problems
• Refusal to eat, loss of appetite, or trouble swallowing
• Sudden mood swings, insecurity, or withdrawal
• A new or unusual fear of a certain person or place
• Exhibits knowledge of adult sexual behaviors and language
• Draws, writes, dreams, or talks about frightening images or sexual acts
• Thinks of themselves or their body as “bad” or “dirty”
• Not wanting to be hugged or touched

In teens or adolescents:

• Running away from home
• Drug or alcohol abuse or may be sexually promiscuous
• Either stops caring about bodily appearance or compulsively eats or diets obsessively
• Anxiety or depression
• Attempting suicide

What to do if You Suspect Sexual Misconduct by an Educator:
If your child tells you about being abused or if you suspect it, your reaction is very important.

• Don’t overreact and don’t criticize or blame the child
• Don’t demand details
• Don’t downplay their disclosure because you’re trying to minimize their feelings (or yours)
• Do listen calmly and keep in mind that children seldom lie about sexual abuse.
• Do assure the child it is not their fault
• If necessary, seek appropriate medical care for the child
• Notify the appropriate law enforcement agencies, as well as the appropriate child services organizations.

In conclusion, the first pillar towards the prevention of Child Sexual Abuse is SEXUALITY EDUCATION. As primary and secondary parents we must take time to educate our precious children with appropriate sexuality education as this would also help them play their role in their Personal Safety and Self-Protection.