April is both Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Awareness month. The following article is the second article of a five-week series focusing on raising awareness about sexual assault and child abuse. Locally, Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center (HCWC) served 667 community members that experienced sexual assault or abuse and 937 children that suffered abuse and their protective caregivers.
Familism is a cultural belief that centers family relationships over the needs of an individual. This belief is often seen in the Hispanic community, alongside the Machismo and Marianismo ideology.
From a young age, Latinos are engraved in the idea that abuse stays within the family and is not to be discussed. This belief protects the abuser and puts the victim, and any other potential victims, in danger. This belief then begins to be implemented, intentionally or unintentionally, onto the victim’s future generations and it continues, forming a chain.
Child abuse is frightening and intimidating for anyone, especially if you are the first person the child felt safe to tell. As a Latina born and raised in a Latin household, family comes first, but what should we do if we discover that the abuser is a family member?
Firstly, believe the child. Offer the benefit of the doubt to the child, not the abuser. Secondly, learn to listen. Allow the child to talk about the abuse at their pace, with their vocabulary, uninterrupted. Thirdly, if any questions arise, ask them once the child has finished speaking. Try not to ask any leading questions, instead ask open ended questions. Lastly, believe the child and report the abuse to law enforcement.
Having strong family relationships of course has positive impacts on kids and communities, but to protect children, it is important to remind them that their safety comes before family.
Challenging an ideology that has been passed down by generations may be difficult, but it is not impossible. Ending this belief will not only protect our current generation, but all future ones as well.
Throughout the month of April, in addition to this article series, HCWC will be sharing content across all social media platforms, as well as participating in community events. To follow HCWC on social media for updates on upcoming events, use the @HCWCenter handle on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
