Children’s needs are simple: they just want to be loved.
Especially when kids are very young, they can’t be relied on to protect themselves from predators. Elsie McGraw, co-founder of Shielding Children From Sexual Abuse, tells CHSJ News it’s up to adults to get informed and prevent child abuse.
She says part of protecting kids is removing the stigma around discussion of the issue. She wants parents to be extra vigilant and find out as much as possible about the people with whom their kids are spending time. At the same time, it’s important to be sane and sensible when discussing potential dangers and not worry kids without a good reason. According to McGraw she’s heard of at least 3 cases in recent months of kids being sexually abused.
The organization will be holding a meeting on Sunday, January 27th to discuss how parents and childcare workers can stop abuse. It’s open to the public and will be held at the Holiday Inn at 400 Main Street at 6:30pm.
For more information contact Darren Wilkins at 645-0749 or dawilkins@nbpower.com, or Elsie McGraw at 674-1627 or mcgrame@nb.sympatico.ca.
