Joanna Lee, a mother from Texas, shared a powerful message on Facebook about child sexual abuse.
She posted her thoughts after hearing about a football coach who took boys to his home and abused them.
Her post is a call to other parents to be honest and direct when talking to their children about abuse, no matter how uncomfortable the topic may be.
Texas Mom Urges Other Parents to Speak Honestly With Kids About Sexual Abuse
Joanna Lee explained that she was a victim of sexual abuse as a child, and because of that, she speaks openly with her 9-year-old son, Landon.
When she heard about the coach’s actions, she didn’t use vague words like “inappropriate touching.”
Instead, she told Landon exactly what happened, using clear language he could understand. Further, she said:
I told my 9 year old, the same age as these boys who were fondled, that a coach of a football team brought kids to his house and laid in bed with them. I told him the coach touched the boys p***s’ and scared them into not talking to their parents about it.
Moreover, she warned him that even trusted adults, such as coaches, should never be allowed to take him anywhere without permission.
Landon plays sports such as hockey and baseball, so she made sure he knows the rules about safety and boundaries.
Joanna urges other parents not to shy away from the truth, saying:
Please don’t be afraid to tell kids the truth. Don’t just say “Don’t do this or that”. Explain why. No matter how graphic or uncomfortable it is. Sexual abuse doesn’t need to happen as long as we keep educating our kids. They will never be in trouble if they tell the truth.
She believes kids need to know exactly why certain actions are wrong and how to protect themselves.
Additionally, she shared what she learned in a recent training for Girls on the Run (GOTR).
She mentioned coaches should never be alone with a child, even for something that seems harmless, like walking them to the bathroom.
As school and activities begin, she reminds everyone to stay alert and ensure that children are always safe and supported.
Say NO to child abuse: protect, educate, and empower every child to speak up and stay safe.
