Hello again my friends!
This morning is absolutely beautiful, and I hope the same goes for wherever you are on your side of the world.
April will always be one of my favorite months out of the year, and for several reasons. One being that tomorrow marks the day that my life began. Not only is my life celebrated along with numerous others, but the life that April springs bring through the plants, water and animals. Another reason why I hold a special place for this month came a lot later in my early adulthood, when I learned that April was dubbed in 1983, Child Awareness Month.
This cause holds a special place in my heart and entire being because as a child I was abused by my dad. Growing up in a dangerous, unhealthy, and unbalancing environment truly took a toll on my physical, mental, and even spiritual development. I'm not going to get into the details of my abuse, only that at the age of thirteen I finally found my strength to speak up. Once the trial went to court a few years later, he was found guilty on two accounts of child indecency and pornography as well as child endangerment. My dad has been serving life in prison ever since. Although he has no physical way of hurting me ever again, the psychological affect took its toll. For many years I dealt with depression, bipolar disorders, suicidal attempts, and the lack of confidence in myself. Even to this day, I am picking up the smallest of pieces that have been shattered, but I am confident enough to say that with endurance, love, and faith I am better. This cannot always be said for the children whose cries have not been heard, for the ones lost into the system in hopes to find a family that truly love them, or even for the ones that die from their abuse. Growing up, I had the opportunity to become friends with some of these kids, who lived at the local orphanage, Kidz Harbor. Their stories even worse than mine. As a child you feel powerless, scared and alone.
Every child has the right to be safe and free of violence, that's why it's so important to bring this problem into the light. In the United States alone there are 7.2 billion child protection service (CPS) referrals each year. A report of abuse is made every 10 seconds and out of these statistics, 91% of abuse perpetrators are parents. We all know that children are our future and if we are not nurturing, educating, and protecting them, the path we all walk will be bumpier than ever. This is the U.S alone, imagine how many more are suffering all over the world, thus creating an epidemic of abuse and neglect. If we do not use the power we have to fight this war against our children, then the cycle will only continue and get worse. It will carry into the next generation like a disease that destroys.
What is abuse? Abuse is an act that results in serious harm or even risk of harm, including physical violence, exploitation, and death. It does not stop here, abuse ranges from neglect of a child and indecency, such as inappropriate touching. Along with child abuse a very real and sick reality is child sex trafficking. We must wake up and see that this is happening in our own country and even within our own government.
What can we do about this? First notice the signs of abuse, and do not ignore them. Second notify the authorities, and take it even a step further by following through on the status of the child even after CPS has stepped in. Third become an advocate for the children with no voice, and speak out loud against abuse. Lastly, you can donate or even volunteer to help build a strong, safe and loving foundation for those who are recovering from their abuse. Find a local charity or orphanage in your city so that you can become involved.
Jacamel, Haiti at FGIM
At Vegan Donut Bar we believe in truth, love, and community, and we will not stop striving to make that possible. That is why the month of April we will donate half of our profit to the DePelchin Children's Center, to help provide resources in the healing process for those who have been abused. If you are empowered to give back, i've added a list below of foundations and orphanages that are dear to me. And always remember, we have the power to change the world!
"The fight to protect our children, is one we must fight together"- Unknown
Depelchin.org
Kidzharbor.org
Cachouston.org
Joyfulheartfoundation.org
Fgimwitness.org
Igive.com