April is National Sexual Assault Awareness & Child Abuse Prevention Month.  National Child
Abuse Prevention Month (CAPM), is a time to recognize that we each play a part in promoting the social and emotional well-being of children and families in our communities.  

Growing up and being in situations at home unknowingly of what was really going on and the adults around me doing nothing.  My GrandParents Colandress and Lucille Pittman were heaven sent, a blessing that God gave me, me!  I can recall an uncle that drove a yellow taxi that always was inappropriate with us girls, with open mouth wet kisses with tongue on the back of our hands.  I avoided him and many family predators by not being around. Most are not given this opportunity and become lifelong victims. The trauma never goes away however, Therapy Helps.  For years children have been the victim of sexual and physical assault by the ones they love or the ones that are supposed to protect them.  Adults knew or assumed and in my childhood eyes no one took action, once an Aunt confirmed this but I was over 45 at the time.   To anyone reading this who has had similar experiences,  My goal is to bring attention not to shame but to shine a light on what I lived.   If you are someone you know needs assistance please call 911. Please Family and Friends stop ignoring the signs and take action, not saying anything is equal to being the predator. Please understand that the side effects don’t only affect the victim but those close to the victim no matter the age or understanding to what is going on. 58 years later and these behaviors are still going on, lets break the generational curse of turning the other cheek to family members but going hard for celebrities online that we don’t even know. Let’s share that compassion to our loved ones living through this trauma. Please understand, I don’t know what help looks like (every situation is different an unique) in inter personal relationships, but when can start with acknowleging the trauma and not blaming the victim. Today is your day…… if your holding something in your heart let it go, say something!!!!!

What are some things you can share in an effort to help or shine a light on a situation, leave a comment below.  

Right to Heal, LLC www.right2heal.org

Childhelp call 800-422-4453 Text 800 422-4453 Text 800 433 - 4453

www.right2heal.org Right to heal Dr. Zoya McCants & Associates, Online Therapy & Workshops for Emotional Health 

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis lifeline 

NYCWELL Talk( 1-888-NYC-WELL, Text (“WELL” to 65173*), Chat (Go to NYCWELL) 24/7 

EVERYONE deserves healthy relationships……….for more info you can call, text or chat 1.800.799.SAFE(7233) or TTY1.800.7873224 or text “START” to 88788

National Sexual Assault Hotline 1- 800-656-4673