predatory behavior
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The Cost of Silence: Why Institutions Protect Themselves Instead of Children
I didn’t grow up invisible. I went to school.I went to church.I smiled for pictures.I showed up. And yet, I was profoundly unprotected. By the time I was five years old, I was being exposed to pornography on a daily basis. Not once. Not accidentally. Not hidden. It was part of the environment I lived…
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Flashlight First: The Family “Theme Park” That Trains Courage
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🔦 Why the Silence?
Two Clay County Cases. Two Very Different Responses. One Big Question: Why? As TheBoldAdvocate, I’ve made it my mission to protect children, expose darkness, and demand accountability from adults who should protect the vulnerable. But recent revelations in Clay County, Florida, compel us to ask: When someone is accused of harming a child, why does…
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clay county schools: who is protecting our children?
There’s a heartbreaking truth that many current and former students in Clay County are carrying in silence. Some have bravely spoken out, while others say they just want to forget. Forget the abuse. Forget the trauma. Forget that the people who should have protected them didn’t. But forgetting does not heal wounds. Silence does not…
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The Power of Awareness: Protecting and Rescuing Children Starts with Us
“A table for three.” I looked up at a man with salt and pepper hair, strong facial features with scruff on his face, and rough hands standing in front of the host stand. The two extremely young girls that were with him looked uneasy but excited. They were fidgeting and stumbling around in their wayyy…
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Why Identifying Subtle Signs of Grooming is Crucial in Preventing Child Abuse
Identifying subtle signs of grooming is essential because grooming often precedes abuse, acting as the predator’s method of gaining trust and lowering the defenses of both the child and their caregivers. Recognizing these early warning signs enables timely intervention, which can prevent abuse before it occurs. 1. Grooming is a Gradual Process Predators use grooming…
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How Societal Attitudes Impact Awareness of Child Exploitation
Societal attitudes play a significant role in shaping how child exploitation is perceived, acknowledged, and addressed. These attitudes can either raise awareness and lead to action or perpetuate ignorance and inaction. Let’s explore some key ways societal perspectives influence awareness: 1. Normalization of Harmful Behaviors In some communities, certain abusive behaviors may be normalized or…
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Protecting Children from Online Exploitation
As a child advocate and someone with a deeply personal connection to the devastating impact of exploitation, I understand the importance of staying vigilant to protect our children. Growing up, I experienced how abuse and secrecy can shatter a young person’s sense of trust and safety. Now, as an adult, I’m dedicated to ensuring that…
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What is Gaslighting?
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An OPC Church of … Criminals?
The Presbytery of the Southwest is facing a crucial decision that could have significant consequences for the entire denomination. More Than Redemption Church, led by a pastor with a history of child abuse, is seeking to become an OPC congregation, raising concerns about safety and accountability. Allowing convicted criminals, including sex offenders, to hold positions…