In the United States, a report of child abuse is made every ten seconds. Most reports of abuse come from healthcare providers and the educational system. The first line of defense in the protection of our youth is during the beginning years of school. Here is where the initial signs or symptoms of abuse are revealed. There is no other way to bring a full understanding of the emotional impact of abuse unless one has shared such an experience.
Parental instincts or personal trauma?
Little Naomi seemed to carry a weight too heavy for someone so young. Unwilling to lift her head she walks between her braids that loosely dangled, covering her eyes. Her arms seemed to barely endure the weight of a sweater that limply hung over her shoulder. Naomi walks unsteadily toward the young teacher, who kneels and securely hugs her, whispering, “I have been in your shoes and I know what you are feeling.” Naomi looks upward with her big watery brown eyes, “I don nooo,” she whimpers. The teacher could no longer restrain her own tears. They sit together for a moment - the bell rings - and her classmates stumble in from recess. Naomi politely returns to her desk, upon which she folds her hands. Fearful of the clock, she stares at chalkboard - struggling to avoid the distraction of her suffering - yet, she cannot. She continues to respond to the fresh memories of her abuse. She twitches.
There are many such instances where the delicate nature of the innocent can be altered in a way that will adversely affect their development. This is where our educators play an important role in interrupting the cycle of adolescent stress and even abuse. Only a special kind of person is able to empathize and nurture these little minds beyond the fear of being re-traumatized.
Over and under reacting
Although there are indicators that educators are encouraged to recognize, over-reading or coaching has caused considerable damage, for the child, as well as the community. There are a host of interesting developments concerning attention seeking behavior - claiming abuse, where there was none; which may merely be a manifestation of a symptom centered upon the awaking the ‘silence of insignificance’. Yet, this too may remain undiscovered until it is unseated by an event that affects the lives of others.
One of the leading causes of adolescent obesity, depression and suicide
We have all been exposed to the heartfelt impact of child abuse. Whether the experience is due to neglect, physical, or emotional abuse it is for a lifetime. There is no greater suffering than that of a child.
Stephanie Stewart, a Marine Veteran, has lived with sexual trauma for many years, and is very much aware of the indicators of abuse. Molested as a child, she has had to relive this trauma daily. Every day, even the most innocent interaction can be perceived as a threat, and the trauma is reborn again, and again. Fortunately, she has had the opportunity of being treated at Palo Alto Veterans Administration Healthcare System for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. According to Stephanie, “having to relive the trauma is just as bad as the experience itself. Not to mention the uncontrollable weight gain, medications, thoughts of suicide, and frequent bouts of depression.”
Teary eyed, Stephine continues, “I understand that the objective of ‘prolonged exposure therapy’ is to revisit the experience over and over again. I can only imagine what a little kid must endure, being stuck, [recycling memories of the trauma] without the help of a therapist. Hey look at me; I am just now getting help!”
Supported to succeed against the odds
In 1992 Stephanie began teaching special education in Santa Clara County. She was formerly an undergraduate student of CSU Stanislaus after acquiring an Associate of Art Degree, passing the CBEST (California Basic Educational Skills Test), completing three tours of service in the Marine Corps, divorcing twice, and having two children — the eldest was born with brachial palsy.
Stephanie has always maintained a heightened sense of awareness when it came to assisting those unable to care for themselves. Today, Stephanie is working toward continuing her educational objective of attaining a Bachelors Degree in education. Yet, the trauma has been a formidable barrier, secondary only to her fear of failure. Here is where the support of HVEHF (Homeless Veteran Emergency Housing Facility) has been a life saver for her. “I could not get better support anywhere than I am getting right here,” Stephanie said. With the assistance Irvin Goodwin, CEO and mentorship of Lashanda Holland (Executive Administrator) of HVEHF, Stephanie continues to provide assistance however and whenever she can.
Additionally, because of the Department of Housing and Urban Development and VA's Supported Housing (HUD-VASH) Program, Stephanie is no longer homeless. This in itself serves as a reminder that she does not have to continue to suffer from the wreckage of child abuse.
You do not have to do it alone
From the cradle to the battlefield there is an experience that will affect every man, woman or child that is indicative of some form of emotional or physical trauma. A simple scare is one thing, but when life or limb is at stake it produces a stress that permeates to the core of our being. The fear of the unknown is traumatic in itself, mix that with unanticipated pain and memories will never be the same. Stuck, seeking the safety of the dark – alone.
This is PTSD; not only measured by frequency of the event, but the duration of one.
Written by Curtis G. Portley
Curtis Portley - An original writer is not one who imitates nobody, but one whom nobody can imitate. Francois Rene De Chateaubriand
Join the Conversation