From the Illinois Jo
Daviess County Health Department:
Common Myths about Child Abuse
We often have misconceptions about child
abuse, but in order to protect children, we need to be aware of what abuse is and what we can do to stop it. These are five
myths about abuse to help you understand some of the misconceptions many of us have and how we can change our thinking.
Myth #1) Children lie about being
abused. It is very rare that a child would lie about abuse. One of the important services Tyler's
provides is a trained forensic interview for the child. The forensic interviewer has extensive training in how to ask questions
in a developmentally appropriate manner and in a way that is not leading. The goal of every interview is to discover the truth,
whatever that may be. As the likelihood of a child lying about abuse is so rare, it is
always in the best interest of the child to believe and support the child.
Myth #2) Abuse rarely happens. Although we would all like to believe that abuse
is a rare occurrence, unfortunately that is not true. Statistics say that one out of every three girls and one out of every
six boys have been abused. That is a staggering amount of children that are being victimized. Child abuse hides under
a societal cloak of secrecy that keeps most people quiet about the abuse they have suffered. One of the purposes of Tyler's
is to help children find their voice so they can put an end to their abuse.
Myth
#3) Abuse only happens to other people. "Other people" may be those of a different race, religion,
socioeconomic status, or who live in a different location. Abuse of a child is a terrible act and many of us want to distance
ourselves from it. So we imagine that it happens far away from us, somewhere where it doesn't hurt the ones we care about;
but abuse can happen anywhere and to anyone. Although that awareness can be uncomfortable, it can also help
stop abuse. As a community we need to be aware of who lives in our neighborhoods, where our children are going, and who is
watching our children. This is the one of the most effective ways we can prevent and stop abuse.
Myth #4) Abusers are easy to identify. We assume that an abuser will appear creepy
or scary and someone we would never leave our children with, but an abuser can be anyone. This is why it is so important to
be aware of who your child is spending time with. Talk to your child about boundaries and what appropriate behavior is. That
way if something happens that makes your child uncomfortable; your child will know something isn't right. Most child
abuse is from parents/caregivers.
Myth #5) Children
will show signs of abuse. Often not true. We assume if a child is being abused, that child will have obvious
signs and symptoms, such as acting out. Many times children keep abuse a secret and do not show any signs that abuse is happening
or has happened. This is often because the abuser uses intimidation and threats so that the child is afraid to tell. Some
children do not tell because developmentally children lack an understanding about abuse and it's implications. That is
why it is very important to talk to your child about abuse so that your child knows abuse is wrong. Also reassure your child
that he or she will not be in trouble for telling if abuse does happen.
All
of these myths, if they persist, create an atmosphere of denial and secrecy. Abusers rely on myths just like these to help
them continue abusing children. If an abuser can be suave and kind, you will give them access to your child. If you think
child abuse only happens to "other people," you won't look too closely at who they are or what they are doing.
If you don't believe child abuse happens, it can happen and can continue happening and you won't notice it. If you
don't believe a child when he or she tells, then an abuser can keep abusing your child and other children without being
caught. Let's open our eyes to the truth about abuse and do all we can to keep children safe
