Babies. Toddlers. Children.
Ahhhh...just thinking about them I can smell the sweet smell of baby powder, picture the smiles and giggles that roll out from those sweet, chubby faces.
Most people love babies and small children. We value them. We protect them.
I think it is safe to say that most people want the very best for their children. But life happens. Bad/adverse things happen which can shape the entire future of an individual.
Studies are now showing the lasting, negative effects that adverse childhood experiences can have on:
health - including mental illness
substance abuse
life opportunities, including education
job and earning potential
physical health
AND...involvement in sex trafficking (https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/fastfact.html) .
In the South Pacific, we are not talking about it.
Our children are growing into silenced adults, changed forever by the negative effects of adverse experiences in childhood.
Homes of Hope will soon launch a new initiative to protect and prevent children and adults from the ravages of forced sex. The Unlocked Voices podcast seeks to uncover adverse childhood experiences that have led children into forced sex as they grow into their teens and adulthood. Through interviews on the various podcasts, it is being unequivocally proclaimed that what happens in childhood matters.
Please join us in upcoming blog entries to learn more about adverse childhood experiences and what to do about it - because, childhood DOES matter.
Please visit our website, Homes of Hope Fiji, to join our team through prayer, giving, educating others, visiting, or volunteering.
