tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19300080.post2462228233628203980..comments2023-03-25T16:28:33.590+03:00Comments on MPAGI.M: Child Abuse-How do you understand it?MPAGI.M.MICHEALhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00544810747496146283noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19300080.post-26302894170139092262010-04-09T04:03:35.071+03:002010-04-09T04:03:35.071+03:00The answers to your questions seem hard to come by...The answers to your questions seem hard to come by. I think that part of the reason is there are really many related questions involved and it all gets complicated and daunting.<br /><br />Most perpetrators of sexual assaults are known to the victims. This is a very uncomfortable fact, it's easier to think that it's strangers who are monsters. So it uncomfortable to think the truth is much closer.<br /><br />That means that what to do in some way has to involve all of us.<br /><br />In the USA there is a musician who is also a psychologist named <a href="http://www.peteralsop.com/" rel="nofollow">Peter Alsop</a>. He's made a living writing songs for children. One of his songs is "My Body" which is a really powerful song that even very little kids can hear and enjoy.<br /><br />As it turns out being an advocate for children is a hard row to hoe. I think that part of Alsop's success has to do with his being a psychologist and so he has some professional connections, that is he's connected to others who look after the interests of children. But it's always hard because people are suspicious.<br /><br />Anyhow I think it is very useful when there are people who become known for helping children and adults talk about difficult issues like assault, sex, drugs and alcohol. Because these are hard subjects the people at the front must be respected by the community. So a Ugandan might work with people like Peter Alsop to make programs, but it probably does matter that the programs are run by Ugandans who are known in the community and who know the community. And it doesn't have to be all or nothing, I mean that doesn't have to be a person's whole career. Ziggy Marley and his band put out a children's album and have performed at many venues that bring families together.<br /><br />Something I notice when I visit Web sites of authors of children's books is they almost always have resources for teachers. For example they have list of books by other authors about the same subject they've written about, and they might have lists of discussion questions about the subject.<br /><br />This is very useful, teachers need help and support especially when it comes to difficult social problems. And schools make a real difference.<br /><br />One last thought about schools. The schools that act to stop bullying of students by other students have much fewer behavior problems in general. It's a big step when we go from thinking that bullying is normal and okay, to seeing it as a problem to be addressed. People who are self confident and feel like they have some determination over their lives are safer.<br /><br />Here are some of the lyrics of Alsop's "My Body;"<br /><br />Sometimes it's hard to say "No!" and be strong<br />When those"No!" feelings come, then I know something's wrong<br /> <br />’Cause My body's mine from my head to my toe<br />Please leave it alone when you hear me say "No!"<br /> <br />Secrets are fun when they're filled with surprise<br />But not when they hurt us with tricks, threats and lies<br /> <br />Our body's one body, one voice is heard<br />We each sing for freedom when we sing these words!<br /><br />I really do believe that we sing for freedom when we sing My body is my own!"John Powershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17126222842766191343noreply@blogger.com