NCJ Number
99418
Date Published
1985
Length
27 pages
Annotation
This story, intended for both sexually abused and nonabused children, is designed to help children understand that their being sexually molested is not their fault and should be reported to a trusted adult.
Abstract
The story describes the inner thoughts and behaviors of a young girl who had been abusively fondled by her stepgrandfather when he visited her one summer. Under his urging and intimidation, she did not tell anyone about the incident. Her feelings and behaviors are portrayed as she awaits another imminent visit from her grandmother and stepgrandfather. Her secret fear, guilt, and anger are recounted in her thoughts and behavior immediately prior to the visit and upon her grandparents' arrival. Under extreme stress, she finally tells her teacher of the molestation, and the teacher tells her mother. Both accept her story and assure her that she was not to blame for what happened and that she is right in telling them about it. Eleven discussion questions and suggested appropriate answers follow the story. An introductory note for adults explains the purpose of the story. A list of additional resources encompasses books, organizations, and workshops and curriculums.