Even though the Jerry Sandusky trial for child abuse has now reached its conclusion, it is important that the focus the trial put on the sexual abuse of children not be allowed to fade into obscurity. It is critical that parents engage in a discussion about sexual abuse with their children and that there be increased advocacy for the victims of these terrible crimes.

Staggering Statistics

According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, there are 80,000 cases of child abuse reported each year in the United States alone and many more cases that go unreported. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in six men has reported being sexually abused as a child.

Moreover, 73% of child victims do not tell anyone about the abuse for at least a year; 45% of victims do not tell anyone for at least five years. Some never disclose the fact that they have suffered abuse.[1] Approximately 22% of these abuse cases involve African Americans (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2010).

A Rarely Talked About Problem

Sexual abuse in the African American community has rarely been talked about and there are few resources available to support Black children who have endured this trauma. While there are a handful of social service agencies and governmental programs that serve as conduits for healing, many victims remain unheard and invisible, and many allegations are dismissed almost immediately when they do emerge.

Even when resources are available, very few families and individuals in the African American community take advantage of the counseling and advocacy services open to them because of the stigma that is associated with sexual abuse. Many Black parents refuse to talk about healthy sexuality with their children, and in some families children are expected to be “seen and not heard”. In addition, opening up living quarters to extended family (e.g., uncles, aunts, cousins, etc) and the myth that Black boys welcome any type of sexual contact all contribute to the need for more education and awareness about this debilitating phenomena.

Parents as Advocates

Given the circumstances which surround the tragic incidents at Penn State University, it is critically important that parents position themselves to be advocates for all children. Parents should be willing to listen to their children and talk with them about abuse, and seek professional support for those children who have been traumatized.

Individuals who know of family members or friends who have perpetrated abuse should encourage them to seek professional help as well; oftentimes, perpetrators re-enact sexually inappropriate behaviors performed on them when they were younger or vulnerable. When everyone knows about the abuse and no one says anything, it only encourages a climate of secrecy and complicity.

Parents should be knowledgeable and comfortable with talking to children about healthy sexuality in a developmentally appropriate manner. Parents should also be able to demonstrate courage and champion the rights of those who are traditionally underrepresented or underserved.

Generations of Black families have refused to address this trans-historic tragedy and this is going to have to change if we are going to protect our children. This article is an open invitation and challenge to Black families to be willing to protect the rights of all children and bring light and voice to those who have been victimized.

[1]Broman-Fulks, J. J. , Ruggiero, K. J., Hanson, R. F., Smith, D. W., Resnick, H. S., Kilpatrick, D. G., & Saunders, B. S. (2007). Sexual assault disclosure in relation to adolescent mental health: Results from the National Survey of Adolescents. Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, 36, 260-266.

Dr. Wadley is available for public speaking engagements for seminars, conferences, private groups and clubs. Email him directly at phdjamesw@yahoo.com or call (267) 249-9452. Further information is available at http://www.drjameswadley.com, or follow him on twitter@phdjamesw or facebook.

Dr. James Wadley is an associate professor and Director of the Master of Human Services program at Lincoln University. As a licensed professional counselor in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Dr. Wadley has quickly emerged as one of the nation’s best sexuality therapists. http://www.drjameswadley.com

Author Bio: Dr. Wadley is available for public speaking engagements for seminars, conferences, private groups and clubs. Email him directly at phdjamesw@yahoo.com or call (267) 249-9452. Further information is available at http://www.drjameswadley.com, or follow him on twitter@phdjamesw or facebook.

Category: Parenting
Keywords: family relationship dynamics, healthy sexuality expression, body image, Jerry Sandusky, Penn State