HOUSTON, TX – Home – the place where kids are supposed to feel safe. But for child victims of sexual abuse, their own home is the closest place to hell.
“One of the things we always tell people to look for when they suspect that a child is being abused is a change in behavior,” said Tammy Hetmaniak, Community Outreach Coordinator of The Children’s Assessment Center.
And something may be about to change in Houston. More than 4,100 Houston area public school teachers will receive training on how to recognize signs of sexual abuse in children and what to do to help them. Mayor Annise Parker, the Children’s Assessment Center and the YMCA of Greater Houston announced the implementation of the nationally recognized “Darkness to Light” child sexual abuse prevention training program.
“Child abuse is a crime,’ said Mayor Parker. ‘We’re doing this because it allows us to create a safer environment for our kids.”
Sexual abusers tend to take advantage of those who are defenseless. It’s our duty as a community to be alert and to make sure every child has the chance to live a life full of hope.
