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Why Children Wait to Tell: Understanding Delayed Disclosure of Abuse

by Susan Nerenbaum in Awareness & Education, Child & Teen Safety

Why Children Wait to Tell: Understanding Delayed Disclosure of Abuse

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By Rachel Pearson
Advocacy Specialist

 

Throughout my almost 4 years as a family and victim advocate with Mosaic Georgia, one of the most common questions I get from caregivers is why their child did not tell them about the abuse right after it happened. Part of my role is providing psychoeducation to caregivers regarding delayed disclosures.

It is typical in our society for people to question why someone, of any age, may need time before they are ready to disclose abuse. It is important to understand that there are valid and oftentimes intricate reasons behind delayed disclosures. Staying silent is common for several reasons, and it is essential for adults to create an environment where disclosure feels safe and accepted.  

The Barriers 

There are several internal and external barriers that contribute to delayed disclosures. Some common internal barriers include feelings of guilt, shame, self-blame, fear, and a lack of understanding of the abuse. External barriers include the child’s relationship to the perpetrator, feelings of ambivalence, the child’s age, the severity of the abuse, the level of grooming, and the presence or lack of trusted adults in the child’s life. 

Some perpetrators convince the child that the abuse is their fault or that they deserve the abuse; this is where guilt factors in. A child may not want to disclose because they feel they did something wrong and do not want to get in trouble. They may also worry that their caregiver will become upset or distressed by their disclosure. I have spoken with many children who did not want their caregiver to find out about the abuse because they did not want their caregiver to feel sad, worried or disappointed in them. This can sometimes lead a child to downplay abuse. On other occasions, a child may test the waters and only disclose part of the abuse because they want to know how a caregiver will respond and what will be done with their disclosure, even if it is only a partial disclosure.  

Other times, a child may feel shame after experiencing abuse. Shame can often lead to feelings of humiliation, low self-esteem, and low self-worth which can contribute to the belief that they deserved the abuse. If a child believes it was deserved, they may feel too ashamed to disclose. Furthermore, sexual abuse, and even sexual health, are often perceived as taboo topics. This can hinder a child from feeling comfortable enough to speak about their abuse as it often reinforces their feeling of shame.  

Fear also plays a vital role in delayed disclosures. I have advocated for numerous children who were terrified to disclose because of threats made by their perpetrator. Since the perpetrator is often someone the child knows, threats that are very frightening and real for the child can be easily crafted. Typically, the threats include harm to a caregiver, sibling, family members, family pet, or friends. Sometimes blackmail is utilized if any pictures or videos were taken during the abuse. These threats convince the child that the only way to keep themselves and their loved ones safe is to stay quiet. As adults, we are able to rationalize these threats as being unrealistic; however, children are often unable to intellectualize threats due to their limited worldview and lack of autonomy and power. 

I believe one of the biggest barriers to disclosure, especially with younger children, is a child’s lack of understanding and knowledge. If a child has not received any body safety or safe touch versus unsafe touch education, they do not understand that what they experienced is abuse. If they do not perceive it as abuse, they are less likely to disclose. When the abuse begins early enough in their life, they are made to believe it is normal. These feelings are intensified when the perpetrator is someone they know and trust, which occurs in the majority of child abuse cases. Children are raised to trust adults, especially family members and other loved ones. This is typically when grooming takes place because the child may not be able to tell the difference between affection and abuse when a trusted adult is involved. Grooming can be difficult to identify, as it looks different for every child. The most common steps of grooming include gaining the trust of the child and caregivers, giving gifts, “love-bombing”, isolating the child from their loved ones, and testing the child’s boundaries while slowly introducing sexualized language and behaviors. Most children are unable to notice the patterns of grooming because it feels like love or friendship to them. 

We must also acknowledge that sometimes the child’s perpetrator is one of their caregivers or a family member. When this is the case, a child oftentimes does not want to disclose out of fear of not being believed, breaking up the family, getting their caregiver or family member in trouble, retaliation, fear of being taken away from their home, or fear of losing their household’s primary provider. It is very common for children in this situation to ask, “Where do I go now?”, “Is my mom/dad going to be okay?”, “Do I have to leave my siblings?”. Stability is incredibly important in a child’s life, so they may not disclose out of fear of disrupting their stability, even if their “stability” is abusive.
 

Experiencing child abuse is a calamitous reality for many children. However, there are ways to build an environment that encourages disclosure.

 

 Talk About It 

Teach children the true, anatomical names of their body parts so there is no confusion when they disclose. For example, if a child tells an adult that someone touched their “cookie”, the adult may not realize the child means their anogenital region. These kinds of conversations normalize talking about our anatomy and help to circumvent the shameful feelings around sexuality that can lead children to hide abuse.  

Inform children about safe touch versus unsafe touch, including which body parts are not okay to be touched on themselves and not okay to be touched on other people. Children who know the correct body terms have the appropriate tools to verbalize their abuse and communicate their experiences more clearly. 

Talk to them about good secrets versus bad secrets as well as the difference between secrets versus surprises. Identify trusted adults in their life that are safe to talk to about secrets—including teachers, family members, their friends’ parents, coaches, etc. The more trusted adults identified, the more resources the child has access to. 


Check-In 

Checking in with children regularly about their feelings and emotions can help them feel more open to sharing them. Be cautious not to push a child to speak about something they do not want to or may not be ready to speak about, as that may cause them to shut down or close themselves off. If the child is experiencing a new environment (i.e. school, friends, sports, extracurricular activities, etc.), a trusted adult should check in with them to see how they are feeling and if they experienced anything that made them feel unsafe or uncomfortable. While checking in, listen actively and remain calm. This creates a safe and specific space for the child to disclose. Remember to be patient and not force the child to talk as they may not be ready to disclose if something happened to them.  

It can be helpful to practice being supportive when the child shares something unrelated to abuse. This lays a foundation of trust, security, and encouragement for the child. Every child who experiences abuse has their own timeline for when they will be ready to talk about it. It is the job of caregivers, trusted adults, advocates, and other professionals to respect the child’s timeline, support them in any way needed until they are ready to talk, and be a safe space for when they are ready to disclose.  

If you are a caregiver with any questions or concerns regarding your child, please call our 24/7 crisis line: 866-900-6019. There is always an advocate on the other end who can listen to concerns, answer questions, and connect you with resources. 

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Atlanta’s Community Efforts to Prevent Human Trafficking During the World Cup

by Susan Nerenbaum in Awareness & Education, Child & Teen Safety

Atlanta’s Community Efforts to Prevent Human Trafficking During the World Cup

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By Mairah Teli
Advocacy Manager & CSEC Advocate

When I tell people what I do, I usually keep it simple: I advocate for children.  

But the reality is heavier than that. I work with kids who have survived things no child should ever have to understand: abuse, exploitation, trafficking. As the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) advocate at Mosaic Georgia, I’ve learned that exploitation doesn’t happen in isolation. 

It follows opportunity.  It follows vulnerability. And it follows demand. 

That’s why, as our city prepares to welcome the FIFA World Cup this summer, I feel both excitement and concern. 

Atlanta will be on a global stage. Millions of visitors will travel through our city, fill our hotels, and celebrate together. It’s fun, exciting, and a great opportunity for Atlanta, but large-scale events also create conditions that traffickers are quick to exploit. 

Research and advocacy organizations have long pointed out that major sporting events can increase the risk of human trafficking, particularly when large crowds and increased anonymity make it easier for exploitation to go unnoticed. At the same time, it’s important to be honest and nuanced: not every spike is clearly measurable, and some experts caution against oversimplifying the issue (Human Trafficking Search, 2025).

But what remains constant is this: as demand rises, vulnerabilities are exposed, and those willing to exploit them inevitably step in to meet the need. 

And minors are always among the most vulnerable. Human Rights Watch has warned that global sporting events like the World Cup can heighten risks for children and teens, including trafficking and sexual exploitation (Human Rights Watch, 2025). That’s not theoretical. That’s something those of us in child welfare see reflected in real lives, in real cases, long after the crowds leave.

The City Prepares 

Here in Atlanta, leaders are already preparing, recognizing that more visitors also means more opportunities for traffickers to operate (U.S. House Homeland Security Committee, 2025). Community organizations, airport staff and law enforcement are increasing training and awareness ahead of the World Cup. Sexual Assault and Children’s Advocacy Centers are preparing their 24/7 crisis response teams to provide coordinated and timely support. The Georgia Statewide Human Trafficking Task Force has made an effort to educate hotel staff, rideshare drivers, airport personnel and community members on what trafficking actually looks like, not just the stereotypes we see in movies and TV shows.
 

What Does Trafficking Actually Look Like?

It is often very different from what people expect and rarely begins with kidnapping or physical force. CSEC often starts with relationship building and grooming. Traffickers identify vulnerabilities like insecurities, instability at home, unmet emotional needs, financial stress, or a desire for connection and belonging. Grooming can look like attention, gifts, promises of love, or opportunities that seem legitimate at first. Over time, that trust is leveraged into exploitation through coercion, threats, or psychological pressure. Many young people do not immediately identify themselves as victims because the exploitation is intertwined with relationships, or even dependence. The threats, fear, and violence become a means of controlling victims. 
 

Understanding this reality is critical because if we only look for extreme or dramatic scenarios, we will miss the far more common situations happening in plain sight.

How We Show Up 

So as Atlanta prepares to welcome the crowds, my hope is that we also strengthen the systems that protect our children and our communities. We need to continue investing in prevention, education, and survivor-centered care. I hope we choose to see exploitation for what it is and respond with urgency, empathy, and accountability. 

For youth experiencing commercial sexual exploitation, events like this don’t create the problem, but they can intensify it. Because this isn’t just about a “spike” during a sporting event. It’s about a system that allows exploitation to exist in the first place. 

The World Cup simply shines a brighter light on what has always been there. 

When I say I advocate for children, this is what I mean. It means paying attention when it would be easier not to. It means preparing before harm happens, not just responding after.

And it means recognizing that behind every statistic is a child whose safety depends on what we choose to do next.
 

To report concerns or to get help, call the Georgia statewide human trafficking hotline- 
1-866-ENDHTGA (1-866-363-4842). The hotline provides 24/7 confidential support, reporting options, resources for victims, and to assistance in reporting suspected human trafficking. 

If you are in the metro Atlanta area and in need of confidential support and services as a result of rape, sexual assault, exploitation, or abuse please call the 24/7 Mosaic Georgia hotline at 866-900-6019. 

Human Rights Watch. “World Cup 2026: FIFA Needs to Act on Human Rights.”
https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/12/03/world-cup-2026-fifa-needs-to-act-on-human-rights  

Human Trafficking Search. “One-Third of Trafficking Victims Overlooked in Atlanta’s World Cup Plan.”
https://humantraffickingsearch.org/one-third-of-trafficking-victims-overlooked-in-the-atlantas-world-cup-plan/  

U.S. House Homeland Security Committee. “Preventing Human Trafficking Ahead of Major International Events.”
https://homeland.house.gov/2025/12/17/task-force-chairman-mccaul-delivers-opening-statement-in-hearing-on-preventing-human-trafficking-ahead-of-world-cup-olympics/  

 

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Beyond the Headlines: The Everyday Reality of Exploitation

by Ken Moua in Awareness & Education

Someone’s Gotta Say It

 

Beyond the Headlines: The Everyday Reality of Exploitation 

By Marina Sampanes Peed
Executive Director of Mosaic Georgia

The media is talking about Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell again. The outrage is real — but the truth is more uncomfortable: there are Jeffrey Epsteins in every community. 

They aren’t always billionaires or celebrities. Sometimes they’re neighbors, coaches, classmates, boyfriends, or trusted family friends. They use grooming techniques, power, fear, and — increasingly — social media to exploit children, teens, and adults. 

One man’s “party” is coercive assault and abuse of another person. When you see others as less than human, it is easier to believe you are entitled to their obedience, sex, or affection. Shame and silence support the cycle. Would you behave this way if your grandmother, mom or daughter were present?  

At Mosaic Georgia, we don’t need headlines to remind us of this reality. We see it every day. 

The 1st Six Months of 2025 

It can’t be that bad, some say. What are the numbers?  We keep track of our services – many developed from analyzing the data and identifying system gaps. Here is what courage and resilience looked like in Gwinnett in the first half of 2025:  

Safe to Say It Out Loud 

  • 271 children and teens sat in a safe room and told a trained professional what they had endured or witnessed. These brave conversations, called forensic interviews, often mark the first step toward safety, healing and justice. 
  • 158 survivors received immediate medical forensic exams after being assaulted. The patients ranged in age from 2 years to 61 years. Among the adults, 19 survivors chose not to report to law enforcement. Their evidence kits were collected and securely stored — preserving their chance for justice in the future, when and if they are ready. This ensures survivors don’t lose their chance for justice, even if they need more time.
     
  • 515 people in crisis picked up the phone not knowing if anyone would answer — and found a Mosaic advocate on the line, ready to listen, believe, and act.
     
  • 12 young survivors of trafficking were identified and supported with over 500 specialized services — to begin the long journey to health.
     

Securing Victims’ Rights and Safety 

Safety doesn’t stop at medical care – it continues into courtrooms, schools, homes, and legal systems. 

  • 319 survivors turned to Mosaic Georgia for legal advice and education, including 23 who received direct representation from an attorney. Many were experiencing complex family, criminal, or civil issues while trying to stay safe from stalkers, abusers, or system gaps.
     

Healing from Betrayal & Violence 

Healing is not a straight line – but it starts with safe, trusted support. 

  • 580 individuals began counseling to reclaim their mental health and resilience.  They participated in nearly 1,000 sessions with our licensed, trauma-focused therapists.
     
  • Strength through Community: 828 participants in support group and Wholeness Collective programming: 110 support group sessions equipped over 270 participants with healing and growth are possible. 68 Wholeness Collective events engaged over 550 youth and adults.
     

A Voice through Advocacy 

Victim Advocacy is specialized support for people who have experienced crime or abuse. Think of it like patient advocacy -but for survivors of violence. Much like a patient advocate helps navigate medical and insurance systems, our advocates help survivors understand their rights, access resources, and make informed choices after a traumatic event. We ensure their voices are heard in systems that are stretched and focused on process.

We provided over 29,000 advocacy contacts and supports in the first six months and managed over 60 subpoena and records requests, reducing survivors’ legal burden. 

Each contact represents a moment when a survivor didn’t have to face the trauma alone. 

Shifting the Shame 

While society debates sensational scandals, too often survivors in our own neighborhoods are asked What were you wearing? Why Didn’t you leave? Why didn’t you call the police? 

These questions, however curious, neutralize the responsibility of the perpetrator and assumes they have no self control.  

Instead of questioning survivors, we should be asking perpetrators:  Why did you think it’s okay to be intimate with someone who didn’t want that? Why didn’t you walk away when she said she wasn’t interested? Why did you get mad when she said no?
 

A Community That Doesn’t Look Away 

Even as we moved into our new Lawrenceville Center in May, our services never stopped. In June, more than 100 community members — including dignitaries, funders, and partners — joined us for our Grand Opening. WSB covered the event, amplifying the message that Gwinnett will not look away. 

Why This Matters Now 

The Epstein and Maxwell cases may dominate the headlines, but exploitation thrives in silence.  

Survivors in our communities deserve more than shock and outrage — they deserve dignity, safety, healing, and justice.
 

Behind every number is a survivor. Someone who decided to trust us with their story, their safety, and their future. Mosaic Georgia stands with them — alongside you, our community — for safer, stronger tomorrows. Don’t wait for the next headline. Join us! 

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Healing Across Cultural Lines: AAPI Heritage Month and the Journey Toward Inclusive Sexual Assault Awareness

by Ken Moua in Awareness & Education

Healing Across Cultural Lines: AAPI Heritage Month and the Journey Toward Inclusive Sexual Assault Awareness 

Compiled/Co-authored by:

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Esther Ko
Managing Attorney

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Amanda Makrogianis Mickelsen
Marketing Project Manager

Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month offers a vital opportunity to address sexual assault within AAPI communities, where cultural stigmas and immigration status often create additional barriers to reporting and seeking help. Many AAPI survivors face unique challenges, including language barriers, fear of bringing shame to their families, and distrust of systems that have historically failed to provide culturally responsive care. These intersecting factors contribute to the underreporting of sexual violence in AAPI communities, making dedicated advocacy and culturally-specific resources essential components of effective support systems.  

By recognizing these distinct challenges during AAPI Heritage Month, we can promote healing-centered approaches that honor diverse cultural contexts while working toward more inclusive sexual assault prevention and response. This commemoration reminds us that effective awareness must acknowledge how cultural identity shapes survivors’ experiences and pathways to healing. 

Mosaic Georgia has partnered with various organizations within the Asian community to drive discussion, educate, and collaborate.  

In a significant cross-cultural exchange, Mosaic Georgia recently welcomed lawyers from Seoul National University School of Law to discuss approaches to supporting sexual assault survivors. The visit illuminated stark contrasts in reporting processes, with Korean survivors facing additional hurdles such as requirements for detailed written statements before police investigations can proceed. This collaboration highlighted how cultural and systemic barriers create universal challenges for survivors seeking justice, while offering both parties valuable insights into developing more trauma-informed approaches that could be implemented across continents. 

 

Mosaic Georgia’s outreach to parents and caregivers at the Korean Parent Association Seminar at
Northview High School addressed growing concerns about children’s safety in the digital age. The seminar covered critical topics including family violence, sexual violence, and child sexual abuse, while providing practical information on protective orders, divorce proceedings, and crime reporting. Discussions centered on how deeply embedded cultural norms—particularly around shame—can prevent survivors from seeking help and accessing justice, emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive support services within AAPI communities.

 

 

Teen dating violence education was the focus of another impactful event where Mosaic Georgia
staff educated Korean teenagers about their rights under Title IX, consent concepts, recognizing dating violence, and reporting options. The interactive session revealed emerging trends in technology-facilitated abuse affecting young survivors. Participants openly discussed the unique social pressures that prevent teen survivors from coming forward, including peer pressure, bullying, and fears about social ostracism—challenges that are often amplified within tight-knit cultural communities. 

 

 

Recognizing the influential role of faith leaders, Mosaic Georgia conducted a comprehensive
Korean Pastor Training Seminar for 50-60 pastors on family violence, sexual violence, and child sexual abuse. Staff attorney Esther provided crucial education on mandatory reporting laws, reporting procedures, and appropriate responses to disclosures involving children, elders, and adults with disabilities. This engagement acknowledged the pivotal role spiritual communities often play in survivors’ healing journeys and emphasized the importance of creating safe spaces within faith contexts where cultural sensitivities are understood and respected.

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Love in Action: Beyond Hearts and Roses

by Susan Nerenbaum in Awareness & Education

Someone’s Gotta Say It

 

Love in Action: Beyond Hearts and Roses

 

By Marina Sampanes Peed
Executive Director of Mosaic Georgia

“What the world needs now is love, sweet love. No, not just for some, but for everyone.” The sentiment expressed in this song by Hal David and Burt Bacharach in 1965 still holds true today. The ancient Greeks had at least six words for different types of love. Those of us in philanthropy demonstrate agape, the love for humankind.  A big part of our purpose is to hold up the ideals that make a strong and safe community for everyone, especially for children, youth, people with disabilities, and others outside the mainstream.  At Mosaic Georgia, we see the harmful effects of “love” misused to groom, manipulate, coerce, and force harm.

 

A Month of Love 

February is also Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, and if we truly care about love and relationships, we need to have some real conversations about what love is—and what it isn’t. Love should never hurt—physically, emotionally, financially, or psychologically. Love is more than a feeling; it is a verb. It requires action, care, and intention. And like any skill, love takes practice. Yet too many young people experience dating violence before they even fully understand what a healthy relationship looks like. In addition to watching adults in their homes, they are inundated with all types of examples on TV, social media, and other apps. 


According to the CDC, about 1 in 12 high school students experience physical or sexual dating violence.

Teen dating violence isn’t just about bruises or controlling behavior. It can look like manipulation, excessive jealousy, threats, and digital abuse—constant monitoring, pressure for explicit photos, or controlling someone’s social media. For some, these patterns start young and escalate over time, making it harder to recognize when something is wrong. 

 

 What It Is and What It’s Not
 

Love is not: 

 “If you love me, you would do this for me, no questions asked.” 

“You’re not allowed to talk to them anymore; it’s disrespectful to me.” 

“I need your passwords so I can trust you.” 

“If you don’t send me that picture, I’ll find someone who will.” 

“You wouldn’t leave me if you really loved me.” (“If you love me, you would…” is not love.)
 

We can do better.
 

Conversations about love and relationships need to start early—long before a young person starts dating. Parents, caregivers, and educators play a vital role in modeling and discussing what respect, boundaries, and consent look like. That means moving beyond the outdated “just say no” messages and equipping young people with real tools to navigate relationships with respect, recognize red flags, and feel empowered to set their own boundaries.

 

 What does this love look like in action?  

  • Talking about emotions openly and encouraging kids to express their feelings in healthy ways. 
  • Helping young people recognize manipulation, coercion, and gaslighting.  
  • Encouraging digital safety and privacy in relationships. 
  • Modeling respect and consent in all relationships—not just romantic ones. 
  • Expressing love in positive ways:
     
    • In work: Recognizing and appreciating colleagues’ efforts, offering support during stressful times, and fostering a culture of respect and encouragement. 
    • In friendship: Being present, listening without judgment, celebrating each other’s successes, and standing by one another through difficult times. 
    • In family: Showing affection through words and actions, respecting boundaries, and prioritizing quality time together. 
    • In romance: Practicing open communication, demonstrating trust, supporting each other’s goals, and expressing appreciation regularly. 

 

For those who’ve already experienced interpersonal violence, it’s never too late to get support. People are reluctant to speak up, fearing shame, disbelief, or retaliation. To create safe, judgment-free spaces for disclosure, just listen.  

 

Don’t ask, “Why did you do that/put up with that?” Instead, say, “Thank you for trusting me with this. It must be hard to share; I know how much you care for them.” Whether it’s a trusted adult, a friend, or a professional, support matters. 

 

Love is not about power or fear. It is an ongoing practice—something we nurture and refine over time through our actions and choices. It’s about mutual care, respect, and safety. This year, let’s commit to showing love with action every day. Because the best gift we can give our young people is the knowledge and confidence to expect and demand healthy relationships. 

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How to Recognize Abuse – and What to Do About It

by brian in Awareness & Education

How to Recognize Abuse – and What to Do About It

Kendall Circle Headshot

By Kendall Wolz
Mental Health and Wellness Manager at Mosaic Georgia

As adults, we have a collective responsibility to help keep children safe. We should be vigilant and informed about the signs of child abuse. Our recognition of the signs could be the lifeline that a child desperately needs.

5 Reasons Adults Need to Know the Signs of Child Sexual Abuse

  1. Protection and Prevention: early detection of grooming and abuse may alter the trajectory of a child’s life. Child sexual abuse often occurs in contexts where the perpetrator has a trusting relationship with child and/or caregivers. In many situations, the perpetrator has frequent access to the child. Early intervention can prevent sexual abuse from escalating and can stop it entirely. Not only does the recognition of abuse protect the child who is being harmed, but it may also prevent future children from being harmed.
  2. Providing Support: children who have experienced abuse will need access to supportive resources such as counseling, advocacy, and a medical examination. When adults recognize the signs and symptoms associated with child sexual abuse, children can access these resources quickly.
  3. Legal and Moral Responsibility: in some jurisdictions, adults are legally obligated to report suspected child abuse. Mandated reporting laws do not require absolute knowledge that abuse is occurring, rather reports are required if there is reasonable suspicion a child is being sexually abused or maltreated. Beyond legal requirements, there is a moral imperative to act in the best interests of vulnerable children.
  4. Breaking the Cycle of Abuse: research reveals the devastating impacts of adverse childhood experiences. A 2021 study found that approximately half of child sexual abuse victims report sexual revictimization later in life which indicates the desperate need for intervention and supportive services during childhood and adolescence.
  5. Raising Community Awareness: when adults are informed and proactive, they contribute to a community culture that does not tolerate abuse. This heightened awareness can lead to better protection policies, more resources for victims, and a community that collectively works to safeguard its children.

Signs of Child Sexual Abuse

Parents, teacher, coaches or caregivers may feel concerned or overwhelmed at the thought of identifying signs of abuse. She’s been acting withdrawn and not herself lately but how do I know if that’s just typical teenage stuff? Am I overthinking it? Is something really wrong? By educating ourselves and becoming aware of what to look for we can feel more prepared to trust ourselves to notice when something might not be quite right.

Effects of abuse manifest with both behavioral and physical signs.

Someone experiencing the trauma of abuse may exhibit extreme changes in behavior including sudden mood swings such as rage, fear or withdrawal. They may also express fear or dislike of certain people or places. Victims may detach from others and become depressed.

Sexual behaviors may emerge such as age-inappropriate interest in sexual matters, like simulating sex with dolls or asking other children to behave sexually. Excessive or compulsive masturbation may occur.

Sleep disturbances can be common such as nightmares, fear of the dark or trouble sleeping. In some instances a regression to infantile behavior such as bedwetting or thumb sucking can be seen.

Physical signs may include abdominal pain or unexplained stomach illness, loss of appetite or trouble eating or swallowing, sudden weight loss or gain and difficulty with bowel movements or urination. If there is indication of unexplained bruises, pain, bleeding or redness on the child’s genitals or anus, or frequent vaginal infections or irritations, this could be a sign of misconduct.

Once I Know, What Should I Do?

If a child is seen to display some of the symptoms listed above, they should be asked open-ended questions in a calm, neutral, and caring manner.

Examples of questions might include:

If a child or teen suddenly has a new relationship with an individual who is older than them or that they display some secrecy about:
Tell me more about your relationship with X. What do you like about them? What do you not like about them?

If a child or teen begins using new words for body parts or exhibits knowledge in sexual acts inappropriate for their age:
Will you tell me what you mean when you refer to X? How did you learn about that? How did you feel when you learned about it? .

If a child is experiencing sleep disturbances:
Take note of what has changed in the child’s routine, how the child’s nutrition/eating schedule may have changed (for example caffeine intake). Are there any new stressors in the household?

If a child or teen experiences avoidance or withdrawal:
Tell me about the last time you remember spending time at/with X. What feelings/sensations do you notice in your body when they are around?

These questions can be used as a guide to open communication about the signs/symptoms an adult may notice. It is important to avoid close ended questions, those that a child or teen may respond to with a yes or no.

If a child discloses they have been harmed or abused, they need a calm, nurturing response from the adult.

Adults should strive to respond with calmness, comfort, and action. Examples of verbiage to respond to a disclosure of sexual abuse are:

“You are very brave and I appreciate you telling me what you’ve experienced. I believe you. It is important to me that you are safe. I am going to make some telephone calls so we can figure out how to keep you safe.”

“I believe you. I am so sorry that you have been hurt by a person you trusted. You did the right thing by sharing what happened to you. It is not okay that X hurt you. You are not in trouble for telling me. We are going to work together to figure out a plan to keep you safe. I am going to make a couple of phone calls to people who can help us with that goal.”

Where to Find Help

The next steps following a disclosure involve notifying the appropriate authorities, including law enforcement and the Child Protective Services Hotline.

If you have any questions about identifying abuse, please contact Mosaic Georgia at 866-900-6019 to speak with a trained advocate.

If you know a child or have a suspicion that a child has been victimized by child sexual abuse, call your local law enforcement agency at 911 or local child protective services (in Gwinnett County, Georgia – Gwinnett County Department of Family and Children’s Services at 678-518-5500).

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The Signs of Suicide: A Guide to Self-Education

by brian in Awareness & Education

The Signs of Suicide: A Guide to Self-Education

Kendall Circle Headshot

By Kendall Wolz
Mental Health and Wellness Manager at Mosaic Georgia

Two people holding hands

Adolescence and young adulthood are a time marked by immense change, challenge, and growth. From surviving the emotional ups and downs and physical changes associated with puberty to navigating new responsibilities and freedoms, this season is often recognized as one with the highest of highs and lowest of lows.

Alarmingly, suicide is the second-leading cause of death among youth and young adults ages 10-34.1 It is critical that the community surrounding these youth and young adults recognize the signs that someone may be struggling with suicidal ideation and become equipped with the knowledge to provide appropriate support.

In 2022, there were 49,430 deaths by suicide among individuals ages 12 and older. For every suicide death, there were about: 11 emergency department visits for self-injury, 52 reported suicide attempts in the last year, and 336 people who seriously considered suicide in the past year.2

The lives lost and harmed by suicide crises are sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, friends, and loved ones.

Their lives matter.

What to Look For

What are the signs that a youth or young adult may be struggling with suicidal ideation? 3 The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention categorizes some of the signs as talk, behavior, and mood.

Talk

If a person talks about:

  • Killing themselves
  • Feeling hopeless
  • Having no reason to live
  • Being a burden to others
  • Feeling trapped
  • Unbearable pain

Behavior

Behaviors that may signal risk, especially if related to a painful event, loss, or change:

  • Increased use of alcohol or drugs
  • Looking for a way to end their lives, such as online searches
  • Withdrawing from activities
  • Sleeping too much or too little
  • Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
  • Giving away prized possessions
  • Aggression
  • Fatigue

Mood

People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Loss of interest
  • Irritability
  • Humiliation/shame
  • Agitation/anger
  • Relief/sudden improvement

What To Do

It is not enough to know the signs a person may be at risk for suicide. We must know what steps one can take to respond and intervene on the person’s behalf.

Connect

Genuinely connect with the person and express your concern about the signs you’ve noticed. Be specific about what you have noticed and share why the signs concern you. Express a desire to support them if they are experiencing challenges. If they share their struggles, stay calm and listen empathically. Take their statements seriously and acknowledge the gravity of the challenges they face. Say something like “it seems like this is a very [painful, lonely, scary, etc.] experience for you. I’m so thankful you trusted me with this information, and I want to support you and help you find ways to get through this difficult time.”

Ask Directly

We cannot tiptoe around the topic of suicidal ideation. It is critical to ask the person directly,

“Have you had any thoughts about killing yourself?” or “Have you had any thoughts about ending your life?”

When we ask the question, it demonstrates to the youth or young adult that we are capable of supporting them and are willing to discuss their struggles openly. If you have never asked a person this question, I encourage you to practice in the mirror until it flows as effortlessly as possible.

Safety and Resources

If the person answers “yes,” indicating they are having thoughts about wanting to kill themselves, then we have to further assess the need for safety measures. We can ask, “Have you thought about how you might kill yourself? Have you thought about when you would end your life?”

If the person responds that they have identified the means through which they plan to end their life, have determined a time they plan to end their life, and they have the means within immediate access, 911 should be called immediately.

If the person has identified the way they plan to end their life and they have the means to carry out this plan, but they are physically safe in your presence, you can call 988 to access additional resources and to identify the next best steps for whatever community you are in.

If the person expresses suicidal ideation, meaning they are thinking about ending their life but haven’t made a plan, 988 is still a great resource. A trained crisis intervention specialist can assist with safety planning and connecting the individual with additional mental health resources to support them.

Additional Training

Every month in Gwinnett County, GUIDE Inc. hosts a free training course for members of the community called QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer). QPR is a 2-hour training that teaches you how to help prevent suicide in 3 steps. This is a great resource for anyone who wants additional information about how to support someone experiencing suicidal risk.

https://guideinc.org/training-catalog/

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[1] CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/vsrr/vsrr024.pdf 

[2] https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt42731/2022-nsduh-nnr.pdf 

[3] https://afsp.org/risk-factors-protective-factors-and-warning-signs/ 

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The Bigger Picture of Recovery: Working with CSEC Clients 

by miguelm in Awareness & Education, Professional Insights & Experiences, Support & Healing, Uncategorized

The Bigger Picture of Recovery: Working with CSEC Clients 

 

Spring is in the air and Mosaic Georgia is ready! The weather is gradually warming up. COVID-19 vaccines are rolling out to our friends and neighbors. It feels like there’s FINALLY light at the end of the tunnel!  While we’re looking forward to “springing” into this new season, we are also eager to engage in more work with a very important group of youth we serve: CSEC clients. Back in October we had the privilege of joining CACGA (Child Advocacy Centers of Georgia) in providing human trafficking intervention services (1-866-ENDHTGA).  But what happens next? What exactly is involved in working with CSEC clients?

When we welcome CSEC victims, we are receiving referrals directly from CACGA or law enforcement. This means that these youth either have experienced or are at high risk of experiencing trafficking or exploitation. Mosaic Georgia’s CSEC response includes a lot of communication and coordination with the youth’s non-offending parent/caregiver, law enforcement, and other state agencies involved with the youth.

Upon arrival, youth are met by our CSEC response team who create a calm environment and get to know the youth and explain why they are at Mosaic Georgia and the next steps. An assessment process begins to better understand the youth’s life circumstances. Our CSEC assessment  may include gathering history, a forensic interview, a medical exam, and advocacy to determine if the commercial sexual exploitation has occurred.

Mosaic Georgia coordinates a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) approach for each youth, based on their circumstances to ensure they don’t fall through the cracks. The MDT is comprised of government partners including law enforcement, and may include DFCS, juvenile court, Guardian Ad Litem, and Mosaic Georgia’s specialists in medical, counseling, legal, and advocacy. This collaborative approach improves law enforcement investigations of perpetrators, raises issues that may not otherwise be expressed, and maintains a focus on the best interests of the child/youth. The CSEC Advocate learns of plans in place or forthcoming resources from partners that inform the youth’s action plan.

After assessment and review by the MDT, the youth and their CSEC Advocate collaborate together on a plan of action, to improve their safety, reduce future risk and move forward from trauma. Plans may include basic life essentials, support for the parent/guardian, education supports, probation or juvenile court issues, mental health and life skills counseling. It’s important to remember that commercial sexual exploitation of a child is traumatic for both the client and their family. CSEC Advocates are dedicated to working with the client’s families as well and connecting them with tangible resources to support health and healing.

In 2020, we began working with eight youth who were sexually exploited for commercial purposes. Surviving trafficking is a long journey. There is no time frame to how long we work with CSEC clients.

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Someone’s Gotta Say it- Out from the Shadows: The Battle With Taboos and Stigma

by Susan Nerenbaum in Awareness & Education, HEALTH, Mental Health & Trauma, SAFETY, Support & Healing

Someone’s Gotta Say It

 

Out from the Shadows: The Battle With Taboos and Stigma

 

By Marina Sampanes Peed
Executive Director of Mosaic Georgia

If you have circled the sun’s orbit at least a dozen times, you’re likely familiar with the double-edged sword of social taboos. Lucky are the few who have skirted the jagged edges of stigma; for many this isn’t the case.   

Every culture wraps certain topics in an invisible cloak of discomfort and prohibition. These are our taboos, ranging from the mundane – like talking on speakerphone in public places – to the deeply personal, like discussing sexual violence. Originating from the Tongan word “tabu,” meaning set apart or forbidden, taboos sculpt our beliefs of what is socially, morally, or religiously unacceptable. They wield the power of social stigma as their enforcer. This invisible yet palpable force maintains social norms but at what cost? 

In the U.S., everyday taboos might include not cleaning up after your pet, belching at the dinner table, or checking your phone during a job interview. Yet, it’s in the realm of “polite company” where the deeper taboos lurk, shrouded in euphemisms or silence — topics such as puberty, menstruation, and our very genitalia become unspeakable. Here is where stigma casts a long shadow, marking some people with shame and disgrace over certain circumstances often beyond their control.   

Stigma is defined as a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person. A powerful social force, stigma thrives on the fear of exclusion, of becoming “othered.” It embeds itself within our social networks and hierarchies, adapting by leveraging dominance to instill fear or using prestige to demand respect. The stigma of rape and abuse are very prevalent in American society and people don’t often realize that their comments and reactions humiliate sexual assault victims. 

Taboos give birth to euphemisms, those linguistic gymnastics we perform to skirt around the discomfort of reality. Euphemisms are generally used to make phrases more positive than the actual word. Consider how we soften the blow of death with phrases like “passed away” or tiptoe around illness by saying someone has “caught a bug.” These linguistic detours are our society’s attempt to navigate the uncomfortable, yet they also serve as early beacons of our implicit biases. From childhood, we’re taught to cloak our bodies in euphemism, learning about “pee” and “poop.” Why are some body parts easy to say and learn – eyes, ears, nose, elbows, knees, and toes, yet penis, vulva, and anus are given other names? We receive messages early in life that some parts of our bodies are taboo. Thus our implicit biases begin. 

But what happens when these dynamics intersect with the most vulnerable moments of our lives, such as disclosing an experience of sexual abuse or assault? 

Will You React or Respond?  The Choice is Yours 

The way we react to someone – whether a child, teen, adult, or senior – when they disclose an experience of abuse or assault can significantly shape the survivor’s healing journey and willingness to seek further help. The responses, influenced by a blend of societal norms, personal beliefs, and psychological factors, can either pave a path toward healing or exacerbate an already profound trauma.  

Understanding these reactions and how to navigate them is crucial for anyone who might find themselves in the position of a confidante or first responder to such disclosures. Here’s a nuanced look at common reactions, along with practical advice for fostering a more supportive and healing-oriented response. 

Embracing Support and Belief 

The ideal response involves offering unconditional support and belief. This positive reception stems from empathy, awareness, and an absence of judgment. It is crucial to affirm the survivor’s experience, validate their feelings, and assure them that the abuse or assault was not their fault. 

Tips for Being Supportive: 

  • Listen Actively: Let them share as much or as little as they wish, without pressing for details. 
  • Affirm Their Courage: Acknowledge the bravery it takes to tell you.  
  • Offer Resources, Not Directives: Find and share information on professional support services (like Mosaic Georgia), empowering them to make their own choices.  

Navigating Skepticism and Disbelief 

Often, our initial reaction to surprising news is disbelief. “No way!” we might explain. In instances of sexual violations, skepticism can be a reflex especially if cognitive dissonance arises from knowing both parties involved. (e.g., He’s such a nice guy; I can’t believe he would do such a thing).  It can be a struggle to align this new information with their existing perception. Check these impulses, recognizing the courage it takes to disclose such experiences. 

Tips for Managing Disbelief: 

  • Educate Yourself: Learn about the dynamics of abuse and the varied ways survivors respond to trauma. There is no “right” way to respond to trauma.  
  • Challenge Your Biases: Reflect on any preconceptions you have about abuse and its survivors. 
  • Prioritize Empathy: Focus on the survivor’s emotional state and needs, rather than your doubts

Avoiding Blame and Victim-Shaming 

Language plays a role in either perpetuating stigma or moving towards understanding. Even well-meaning family or friends ask questions like “what were you wearing/drinking?” or “were you flirting with him?” to try to make sense of what happened.

But these questions reflect deeply ingrained societal norms that wrongly hold individuals responsible for preventing their own victimization.    

These questions shift accountability of the perpetrator and create emotional distance between you and the person you care about. This reaction is harmful and isolates the survivor. 

Would you ask these questions of someone who was mugged or car-jacked? No, because the offender is responsible for their actions.  

Tips for Avoiding Blame: 

  • Avoid Judgmental Questions: Do not question their actions, attire, or decisions during the event. 
  • Challenge Victim-Blaming Myths:  Remind yourself that the only person responsible for the abuse or assault is the perpetrator. 
  • Focus on Support: Center the conversation around the survivor’s feelings and what they need from you.
     

Dispelling Denial or Minimization 

Sometimes people respond with comments like, “It wasn’t that bad” or “At least…” or “You don’t look / act like you’ve been raped.” These are not helpful to the survivor. Denial and minimization serve to protect the responder’s worldview or the reputation of the accused, but they invalidate the survivor’s experience.  

Tips for Confronting Denial: 

  • Acknowledge the Survivor’s Reality: Honor their story as their lived reality, validating their feelings and experiences.  
  • Educate Yourself on Trauma: Understand that minimizing their experience can compound their trauma. 
  • Encourage Professional Support:  Recognize when the situation is beyond your capacity and encourage engagement with professionals and specialized services (like through Mosaic Georgia).  

Harness Expression of Anger or Desire for Retribution 

For a parent or a partner of one who has disclosed abuse, this is especially for you: express your anger away from your loved one. While a natural response, reacting with expressive anger about the assault/abuse will only add to the stress for the person who shared with you. Many children and youth report a reason for not telling a loving parent is fear the parent will respond violently against the perpetrator. “I don’t want my dad to go to jail because he wants to defend me.”  

Seeking retribution without the survivor’s consent can further disempower them. 

Tips for Managing Anger: 

  • Process Your Feelings Separately: Seek your own support system to deal with feelings of anger. 
  • Respect the Survivor’s Wishes: Align your actions with what the survivor feels is best for their healing. 
  • Promote Agency: Support the survivor in making their own informed decisions about seeking justice or other next steps. 

We can’t control what happened, but we can choose to respond rather than react.  

How you react to the news can profoundly affect the person who was harmed by abuse or assault.  When you start by supportive listening and acceptance, you facilitate a path toward healing.  

Breaking down the stigma surrounding sexual violence begins with challenging our implicit biases and reframing the language we use to discuss these issues. By focusing on the perpetrator’s responsibility and recognizing the courage it takes for survivors to come forward, we can hold offenders accountable and create a safer, more supportive society for all.  

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Teal Ribbon

Why Awareness Matters

by brian in Awareness & Education, Uncategorized

Why Awareness Matters

 

“I’ve learned throughout the years that no one wants to talk about what I do for a living. Getting folks energized about sexual violence prevention is not easy.”

By: Sara Cherry, Advocacy Manager

In my time as an Advocate for the past 5 years, Sexual Assault Awareness Month has been vastly different every year. I have experienced Aprils chock-full of every kind of event regarding sexual violence, and I have experienced Aprils where a few digital informational flyers and a Zoom presentation were the best I could hope for in terms of spreading awareness.

I began my career in the wake of the #MeToo Movement. People were tuned into the conversation. They were listening, learning. They were hearing what survivors and Advocates have always been saying: that sexual assault is a public health crisis. College campuses were eager to work with their local Sexual Assault Centers to implement sexual assault prevention & education programming, utilize Advocacy services for survivors, and draw from the knowledge of the experts in the field in order to make their communities safer.

As time passed, conversations pivoted away from sexual violence and the spotlight shifted. The global pandemic we’ve all been living through for the past two years is no small player here; our attention was held captive by another pressing health crisis. While #MeToo isn’t making nearly as many headlines as it was a few years ago, the impact it has made is worth noting. First of all, the conversation was finally being had. That’s no small feat when considering the topic!

I’ve learned throughout the years that no one wants to talk about what I do for a living. Getting folks energized about sexual violence prevention is not easy.

Additionally, measures were put in place in classrooms, workplaces, and maybe even in some unwritten cultural rulebooks about standing up to and preventing this type of violence. As a society, I believe we tolerate sexual assault a little less, we know our rights a little more, and those that experience this type of violence know that they are not alone. There will always be places like Mosaic Georgia that exist to help survivors through their experiences, and so long as we do we will do our part during Sexual Assault Awareness Month to educate and hopefully prevent future violence.

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