Forum: Victims and Survivors Corner

Thread (Discussion): Surviving sexual abuse

AGGY HOOI, a counselling psychologist with P.S. The Children, gives some pointers on the impact of child sexual abuse (CSA) on survivors.

To the survivors:

Know that the shame is not yours to bear but that of the offender who perpetrated the crime. It wasn’t your fault. You are not alone; there are others who understand and share your pain. There are places you can turn to for help. Know that you are strong. You have survived. Don’t let a criminal act ruin the rest of your life. Take control of your life.

To the community:

Understand the dynamics of CSA so that we can recognise and stop this atrocity. Understand the effects of CSA so that we can better support survivors.

We need to protect our children. It is not enough to know where our children are 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We must see to it that the people they are with are trustworthy.

We need to give our children the tools to protect themselves. Build up their self-esteem so that they can stand up to offenders. Teach them about safe and unsafe touches. Teach them to speak up when an adult touches them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable. Open lines of communication so that they feel safe enough to tell us things – whether good or bad – that happen to them. – By Catherine Siow

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