AboutChristine Taylor Expertise I can answer questions specifically relating to child abuse, paticularly where this relates to retrospective activities.
I can also answer questions on 'How extended families cope with the result of abuse'.
Questions on the legal aspects of abuse are beyond my scope here and I can offer signposting only.
Experience I was abused as a child by my grandfather. The first time it took place I was just 5 years old, and his abuse continued for 6 years. I was forced into believing that what he was doing was ok, and that it was our secret. As a small child I respected what he told me, and did not tell anyone. He would touch me, bath me and sometimes make me touch him. The memories are clear, but since moving on with my life the attached feeling and emotion has faded. My grandfather was sentenced for his crime, but not before I had to go through a medical and police interview. Shortly after the sentencing I was given support from Victim Support, and later that year received counselling from a clinical child psychologist. Once I was discharged I carried on with my life and tried to put the past behind me. However, after the birth of my son many emotions about the abuse came back, as did the memories. I tried to get counselling but the waiting lists were long. I approached support groups, but unfortunately they were not running programmes in my area. I decided to help myself. I carried out a number tasks which included writting out my memories, and my feelings. It also included going back to the places I was abused. I began to feel strong inside, the memories no longer made me cry, my smile was genuine. My final task was to return to the spot where it all began when I was just 5 years old. Once I had done this I walked away and felt no saddness. I knew then that I had come through the abuse and was finally free to live my life. I have left the negatives of my abuse behind and now I hold onto the positives of this experience. I have learnt how to be strong, and how to restore my confidence. I no longer wish to change the past, its just not possible, so I look forward to a future without the burden of my past.
Education/Credentials Firstly I have first hand life experience within this field. I also achieved A'levels in science, but also in Christian Theology. Although this does not directly relate to this subject it helped me to use my mind to think outside the box. I was able to see things from other perspectives, and it taught me to appreciate other peoples thoughts and opinions. I also have completed the counselling concepts course and passed at Level 3 and from this I went on and completed a mentor training programme. I am now working towards a psychology diploma, and level 4 in child psychology.
Question Last year my daughter took my grandson age 2 and granddaughter age 1 to
the doctor because of yeast infections in his mouth and yeast infection in her
vaginal area. At that time the husband had lost his job and was home when
my daughter caught my granddaughter sitting on the bed alone, watching
porn. The teacher called my daughter to school because my grandson said" I
want to play with my ball"! The teacher couldn't find "the ball" and discussed
this with my daughter. A second incident occurred at school recently and my
daughter was called in. The father is obsessed with diaper changing and
spends more than usual time changing my granddaughter. I have observed
the father fondeling and carressing my grandchildren. Also my daughter yells
out to me at least 6 times, "You think we are sexually abusing our children,
don't you?" I was told to report this to CPS, what do you think I should do?
Answer Anne,
If you have reason to suspect then I would go and talk with the CPS. It is evident that talking with your daughter about your concerns wont help. It will cause tension, but in the long run the safety and protection of those children come first.
Think to yourself, would you rather it be happening and you say nothing, or it not happening and you making sure? If you have witnessed inappropriate touching from an adult to the child then you really can not sit back and do nothing. Those children need a voice that can be heard for them.
