Innocence Erased
Victoriously healed by His embrace
by
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Why Children Don’t Tell By the age of twelve-years-old, her innocence was completely gone. Though there was not much conscious thought given to what she was doing, subconsciously she thought she was complying with those who she believed cared and consoled. She did not realize she was only performing a learned behavior. Her behavior dictated what she was feeling inside, worthlessness, not good enough and not deserving of any better. Did she ever tell anyone what was happening to her? Did she dare repeat what was going on to anyone? Absolutely Not, Never! She began to smoke marijuana and drink a little beer at eleven years old. Surely it was a subconscious way to cover the pain and the shame. David Finkelhor (1990) “A Sourcebook on child sexual abuse” reports that most sexual abuse is never reported. Another report at www.tellinitlikeitis.net,states children are afraid no one will believe them, because that is what many abusers brainwash and groom their victims to believe. Children may be threatened by the offender, or the child molester tells the victim that the parent or family members will be physically harmed or killed if the child tells anyone about the abuse. Children don’t tell because they feel guilty, embarrassed and ashamed, having been groomed by the offender over a period of time to believe they are just as guilty as the offender. Children have fear of getting in trouble. Some children believe they will be taken from their home and family. Some children do not tell anyone they were abused, even when directly asked by parents or other authority figures. In the 1960s in the south, it was basically unheard of for a twelve-year-old to be drugging and running away from home, staying out all night and having sex. We have to remember her innocence was erased at such a young age that by the time she was twelve-years-old her behavior came almost natural with those “she chose” to act out with. Clearly, she was looking for a feeling of love camouflaged in abuse. She was marked! Remember how she came into the world, bruised, in pain and marked with what seemed to be destruction.
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About the Book
Cissy is a typical young girl, one who loves her family, her friends, and her toys. But one day, she experienced something that no child should ever endure—and it was the beginning of a nightmare for her. Against her will and beyond her ability to comprehend, Cissy found herself at the center of a growing epidemic.
The impact of her abuse left her with insecurities and low self-esteem, devaluing herself, not realizing her potential and worth. Cissy grew up with self-doubt, and as a direct result of the selfish acts of sexual predators, her choices became increasingly self-destructive. The inability to make better choices, Cissy soon found herself directly and indirectly associated with murderers, drug dealers and worse.
But the darkness of her childhood would eventually be banished by the embrace of the Only One who could change her course.
Innocence Erased is not just about Cissy, one child who was the victim of sexual abuse; it is about all children who have lived through this violence. Included are tools designed to help educate parents, guardians, and children. Even a single act against a child can redirect their course of life forever, however, there is help, hope, and healing available for survivors.
About the Author
Cathy Moore-Coleman survived childhood sexual abuse and is dedicated to helping children overcome similar trauma. She holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership and is associate minister at Cathedral International, Perth Amboy, New Jersey. She and her husband, former grassroots politician Jerry L. Coleman, live in Lawrence Township, New Jersey.