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The dude that fucked with me preyed on my vulnerability.
His wife ran a thrift shop and befriended my mom. When we needed a place, they rented us a small travel trailer at their house. Anyhow his older son had video games, which was my favorite escape in life
So he'd tell me I could play at any time. He also knew we didn't have much food, so he'd always have a sandwich, some cookies and milk, shit like that.
The shower in their house was my only means to take a shower, so the above conditions were perfect for a predator.
And once it happened, he was able to keep me coming back, and keep me quiet, by threatening two things:
1. I had two younger sisters and two younger brothers, and he he'd always comment about how if it weren't for me, he'd be messing with them. Sometimes it was overt threats, other times it was just a reminder. He'd say, if I said anything, CPS would put us in foster homes, where we'd all be separated, and who knows if those foster homes would have guys like him?
2. He threatened to kick us out. He'd say, if I said something, he'dhave to kick us out.....and where we would go? We'd be out on the street, and anyone could do anything to us.
In light of that, my 9-10 year old brain figured, getting fed, playing video games, and letting him have his way was better than either ppl f those.
Before we left, I found out that my mom and his wife were both aware, and it was basically my fault for going over there.
Because that issue is so heavy on my radar, I try to temper my natural suspicion toward people through that lense. I.e, I stay leery, vigilant observant, without overtly assuming everyone is out to get my kids, if that makes sense.
I make sure I touch base on the subject with my daughter every few months. Good touch, bad touch, etc, and nobody is above reproach. Mom, dad, uncle, teacher, grandma, whoever, if anyone even TRIES... you let me or mom know, and if anyone makes any threats, you let me or mom deal with it.
She's also under the edict that she doesn't have have to kiss or hug anyone she doesn't want to, for any reason... and she doesn't have to give a reason. No is no, and if anyone has an issue with that, let me or mom know.
Ain't no lap sitting, no guilt trips if she doesn't hug someone goodbye or whatever.
Parents and guardians have to be vigilant and proactive about this issue.
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