Let's Normalize Coming Forward

Yesterday, I wrote that, “I’m also doing everything in my power to create a world where children are seen AND heard. Where children know how to speak up, know that they have a right to speak up, and know that they will be listened to when they do so.”

And then, I came across this post from CHILD USA that showed me just how far away from that world we are:

I’ve sat with this. I’ve let myself feel discouraged.

Now it’s time to shift my thinking and see this as validation that the work we’re doing is so important.

Of course I agree that laws around statute of limitations need to change drastically. There’s no reason not to give survivors all the time they need to come forward, and support them when they do.

But having all the time in the world won’t mean anything if we don’t put more effort into helping people of all ages learn to come forward.

But having all the time in the world won’t mean anything if we don’t put more effort into helping people of all ages learn to come forward. If we don’t make it feel safer and more comfortable to do so. If we don’t remove the shame and the stigma along with the worry about not being believed.

Let’s normalize reporting, and #BelieveSurvivors.