Excuses

Came across a discussion on Facebook this morning about excuses made by child abusers and made for child abusers by family and friends.

Some of the common excuses listed are they were drunk, they are depressed, they are going through a hard time, they didn't know it was wrong, and they said they were sorry. The post continues by stating that there is no excuses for abusing a child.

While I agree that there should be no excuse for the abuse of a child - be it sexual, physical, or emotional - I also believe that we are all a product of our environment and the cycle of abuse will continue if the abused are not taught a different way to live and if they are denied a proper support system.

Now that doesn't mean that all kids who are sexually abused will become child molesters. They may be physically or emotionally abusive to other. They are likely to continue to be abused as well in other relationships because they lack the skills, knowledge, and courage to get out of those relationships. They simply do not know what a positive, healthy relationship looks like or feels like.

We are all scared by something but some of us have better coping skills and a strong solid support system. Not enough people are willing to step up to be the change or be that positive support system and role model for victims of abuse. Are you?