Handing the Shame Back

Silence protects offenders. Education protects children. Help us empower safe adults with the tools to protect, respond to, and prevent child sexual abuse. Make education is the first line of defence. Donate today: handingtheshameback.org/donate

We at Handing the Shame Back want to see the government make it mandatory for teachers to report signs of abuse to police or child welfare officers. rnz.co.nz/news/national/… For more on us: handingtheshameback.org #HandSign4Kids #LetsSaveSomeKids #SafeAdults #KeepingKidsSafe

Dave first experienced abuse at the age of 7 in the toilets at school. Then again at 11 - 13 from a sports coach. He got so used to it happening, he expected it. He believes other boys were abused by the coach as well. Watch the full clip here: youtu.be/wwzA0divoAw

Every child has the fundamental right to play freely. It's essential for their development, well-being, and sense of freedom. If you see a child play safely and freely is a reflection of a family that values and protects its youngest members.

This study examines sexual violence among New Zealand adolescents using the Youth2000 survey series, showing about 12.4% of young people report unwanted sexual experiences. researchspace.auckland.ac.nz/server/api/cor… #HandSign4Kids #LetsSaveSomeKids #GlobalHandSign #SafeAdult

Children rely on adults to notice, listen, and act. Your donation helps equip safe adults with the tools to recognise abuse and respond safely. handingtheshameback.org/donate #HandingTheShameBack #HandSign4Kids #LetsSaveSomeKids #GlobalHandSign #SafeAdult

Staci was a twin, and was abused between 3-17 years of age by her father, who she later discovered was NOT her biological father. Her brothers were also abused by this man. Her twin brother became and alcoholic and died at 40. Watch the full video here: youtu.be/MSeph__sufI

This month, we share updates grounded in hope, prevention, and evidence-based action, including new Board appointment, nationwide education efforts, and research that reinforces why early intervention matters. Read the newsletter here: handingtheshameback.org/campaigns/view…

If your child's behaviour seems off, there must be a reason. Time to be that #SafeAdult who believes their child over a well-rehearsed and deliberate predator. In a study conducted 18 months ago, 67% of adults believe an adult over a child when child sexual abuse is disclosed.

We at Handing the Shame Back are delighted to welcome Melody Mobsby onto our board, with her wealth of experience and her ‘can do’ attitude, we are fortunate to have her join us.

Survivors carry childhood trauma into adult life. Your donation helps support adult survivors as they heal and rebuild their lives after child sexual abuse. handingtheshameback.org/donate #HandingTheShameBack #HandSign4Kids #LetsSaveSomeKids #GlobalHandSign #SafeAdult

Damien was abused in 2003 at age of 16 by a family friend while working with him in the school holidays. This was to continue over 2 summers, during which time he and his family were continually groomed by this man. Watch the full clip here: youtu.be/HKccOmdu_oA

High screen time can be a warning sign of online harm. The more kids are on devices, the more chances predators have to reach them. Behind every app is an adult and not all are safe. Please take steps to ensure your child’s safety. After all if you don’t, then who will?

You may never meet the child you help, but your kindness will reach them in the form of safety, awareness, and support. That’s the power of your donation. Make a difference today: handingtheshameback.org/donate #HandSign4Kids #LetsSaveSomeKids #GlobalHandSign #SafeAdult

How can someone with a broken compass be expected to navigate their way to having healthy relationships? Survivors of CSA had their view of the world shaped by trauma, so connection can be hard. Healing is possible, but it takes time, gentleness, peace and loads of genuine love.

Talking to your children about sexual abuse isn’t what’s scary. Not talking to them is. It’s important to help them understand so they know what to do if someone approaches them. Being informed reduces their risk. Overcome the fear by educating them.

Tell your children that Safe Adults will never ask them to keep secrets. This simple message gives them a clear rule they can trust and remember. Safe Adults don’t hide things, create confusion, or make children feel uncomfortable or responsible for someone else’s behaviour.

It is not weak to struggle; in fact, it reflects strength. Struggling means you are confronting challenges rather than avoiding them, and that takes resilience, honesty, and effort. Acknowledging difficulty is a sign of courage, not failure.

You have so much to offer the world, more than you may realise on the days you feel tired or unsure. Your courage, your lived experience and your unique way of seeing things are needed now more than ever. Even when the path feels heavy, don’t give up trying. Keep going.

Truth-tellers terrify secret-keepers because they shine a light exactly where those people rely on darkness. For abusers, secrecy is their strongest weapon, it protects among other things, their lies. When a survivor speaks the truth, that entire house of cards begins to fall.