Family,

This week my focus is on children.  Since we are celebrating National Child Abuse Prevention month, I think it is pertinent that we bring awareness to some of the ways we can protect them.  From observation, I have come to the sad conclusion that many of our children are being forced to grow up too fast and they are not being protected.  Apart from not really enjoying their childhood, a lot of children are eating the wrong foods, watching the wrong programs, and being influenced by the wrong people.  Last week, in the midst of the spring fever, the hot temperatures and massive allergy attacks, I heard the news of the brutal gang rape of the 7 year old girl in Trenton, NJ and I am still outraged! 

All of us who are of sound minds (and especially those of us who have children) are stupefied at what could possess a 20 year old man and many others to even dare to touch a 7 year old inappropriately.  In any event, this is not a remote incident as we have all heard stories of pedophiles, raping of babies and even worse crimes against children.  What makes this particular story crazy to many is the fact that the 15 year old step-sister took money from the men in exchange for them touching the 7 year old. Not one to be judgmental and definitely not one to condone ANYTHING which led to that brutal attack, I feel pity for the 15 year old who is also a child and refuse to judge her.  Who knows what type of abuse she has suffered which would lead her to prostitute herself and take payment to let men touch the 7 year old.  Studies have shown that many people who were abused turn out to be abusers themselves.  Child abuse is not a new thing as many of us have been victims of abuse or know someone who has.  The two girls who were affected by this incident and the teen-aged boys who were a part of the rape are not the only children who are crying out for help.

Anyway, that story has left a real bitter taste in my mouth and every time I think about it, I wish I had super powers to just find myself in Jersey and bring severe torture to those rapists.  I am reminded of the movie "A Time To Kill" and can say without certainty that if that were MY child, Samuel Jackson's character would have nothing on me!

Get educated on what is child abuse and neglect.  Pay close attention to our children, so that you can spot and report child abuse. In many instances, children are abused by those they know, love and trust.  Now, don't get paranoid and start suspecting every relative or close friend, but If you suspect ANY iffy behavior, chances are something is not right.  If a child tells you that they have been touched inappropriately, please pay attention and investigate rather than shrug it off.  The life you save may be your own child's.

Happy birthday to Brandon Best, Hadiya Williams, Odette Wong, Kimani Anku, Trini Mike and everyone celebrating this week.

"No excuse for child abuse,"

Rosie "Peppy" Parke
Creative Director
Peppy Entertainment & Promotions, LLC