November Challenge: Something To Be Thankful About

In the case of child sexual abuse, children are more likely to disclose the information to a person other than a parent! Why is this? Various reasons may provoke this course of action, but the one that may be most prominent is Fear of Rejection. Children are afraid they will be shunned, pushed away, not believed, ignored... they fear the rejection of a loved one. This makes the pain seem like an even heavier burden. But if your child has been allowed to establish an open line of communication with parents and caregivers, and healthy relationships have been encouraged with outside forces, much of the hurt that comes in the form of long term effects may be derailed. Or better yet, the abuse may be halted altogether. Those that sexually abuse children go through a phase with potential victims called the 'grooming' phase. They tend to target children who are more withdrawn. Replace that element with something to be thankful about. Enforce and Encourage a support system that entails not only adults, but peers your child(ren) trust. Know that these bonds are definitive to the social lives of our youth. If any hurt, harm or danger should come their way, this peer force will be the first to know. Learn who your child's bestfriend is, take an interest in their friendship, and water the seed of trust between the two. In it's growth, you can be reassured, that any pertinent information such as child sexual abuse will be disclosed. This disclosure with a trusted ally will hopefully strengthen voices and give victims the courage to speak out.

Katandra Shanel Jackson
Founder of Angel Eyes Foundation

October Challenge: Take 10/Stop. Look. and Listen

Question: When's the last time you put the old fireman's adage to use? Stop. Look. and Listen! This month's challenge is to put it to the ultimate test. 24 hours=1,440 minutes. Spend 10 UNINTERRUPTED minutes of your day Listening to your child. The challenge becomes tricky if you have a multi-kid household, but even then the math is simple. 10 x The # of children in your home. If you must divide the time with another adult or older sibling, then by all means... please do so. All too often we get lost in the hustle and bustle of everyday life that we forget to just stop, look, and listen to those dearest to us. If we as adults are swept away in the busyness, what of our children?? Take 10 minutes out of your hectic day. My guess is you'll be surprised at how much they have to say & how much you don't know. The sessions may go a little slowly at first. Don't be discouraged. Not only is this a 'talking' challenge, it's also an 'observation' challenge. As parents sharpen their listening skills, unspoken observations will become more clear. Children know when someone genuinely cares and eventually they will verbally open up.

*Because this challenge may be difficult to achieve on a daily basis, set 3 days aside each week. Mark it on your calender. Child(ren) and Parent/Caregiver alike will begin to look forward to that sacred time. So Take 10 to Stop. Look. and Listen.

AEF President & Founder-- Katandra Shanel Jackson Taylor

September 2011 Challenge

Attention: Mothers, Aunts, Sisters, Grandmothers, Female Family Members/Friends. Now is the time, a conversation is in order. The good thing about this is that there is no age requirement. Children are never too young to learn Correct Terminology. But first before you trade 'boobs' for breast and 'pee pee' for vagina/penis... ask them what do they already know. My guess is you'll be surprised. In the case of single fathers, seek the voice of a female family member or friend that your child(ren) is/are comfortable around.

The purpose in this month long challenge is to open up the more serious channel of conversation with our children. Often times 'cutesy' names for our private parts/genitalia induce snickers to downright uproarous laughter. By expanding their vocabulary with these very powerful words, we empower their voices. As the month unfolds and conversations take place, please feel free to comment via this note. Share your experience, your fear, your relief, your trepidation, your own experience with this topic as a child, any tips that may be beneficial in preparing for this 'talk'. Thank you.

--AEF President, Katandra Shanel Jackson {Taylor}

Fundraising Event Sept. 1- Sept. 30

Pkg of 3 custom buttons. The trio includes 2 original Angel Eyes Foundation designs and a Commemorative 'Remember 9/11' Button. Show your support. Only 10 sets will be sold. $25.00 (which includes shipping & handling). Accompanying the buttons will be a Letter of Thanks, a Formal Introduction to Angel Eyes Foundation and and an informational trifold; hot off the presses! These 10 supporters will earn a place on the Sponsor roster at the Silver level. The event is open Sept. 1- Sept. 7 and the buttons are available on a first come, first serve basis.

THE CYCLE {POST #5}

Because so few women ever report these heinous acts, the perpetrator goes unpunished. Unpaid consequences subsequently open the window to a world of repeat offense, casting a much larger web. In its wake a new batch of victims are left broken and unspoken. As the cycle continues rape truly does mimic the perfect crime. Worse still are the victims who are often left questioning more than the assault itself.




FYI: Of those in the prison population, those most likely to return are those who have been convicted of sex crimes.

DEAD SILENCE {POST #4}

Nary a witness

verbal threats hissed

physical force

vicious & venomous

violence

raped into silence…

THE ALMOST PERFECT CRIME {POST #3}

Because statistics are ever changing, it’s difficult to project an exact estimate. Although, most studies show that only 40% of sexual abuse cases are ever reported to the police. More than ½ never speak up.