# Molestation On Social Media
Recently I went to the #fostercare hash-tag on Instagram to look at the most current foster-care related photos. At the top of the list of images I saw a very inappropriate nude photo of an attractive young woman.
Initially, I was very frustrated that someone would post nude photos in the #fostercare hash tag; a tag that I use to inspire foster care youth and advocates.
Then I read what she posted and noticed the other hash tags she used: # orphan, # liar, and # molestation. This girl was molested most of her younger years and is deeply scarred. Posting nude photos appears to be her way of expressing and fighting back.
She is taking control of what was taken from her for many years. Sad, but true – and to a certain extent, understandable. I can’t really blame her, but do you know WHAT REALLY SHOCKED ME?!
The fact that when I clicked on the #molestation hash tag I found something even more disturbing.
Almost every other photo that I saw was of someone jokingly inappropriately touching someone else. A mockery of what is both a sad reality and the cause of a life-time of guilt, shame and a lack of self-esteem.
The 2003 National Institute of Justice report states that 3 out of 4 adolescents who have been sexually assaulted were victimized by someone they knew well (page 5). VictimsOfCrime.org lists that 1 in 5 girls is a victim of child sexual abuse while 1in6.org reports that studies show 1 in 6 men have experienced sexual abuse before the age of 18.
It is no surprise that approximately 75% of those in #fostercare have already been abused sexually. That makes them a prime target for repeat abuse and more horrendous statistics. One site reports that studies in two east coast states indicate that 21 and 28 percent of child sexual abuse cases involved reports that originated in a foster home.
Although these statistics reference children, I would like to place emphasis on how one’s traumatic experiences impact adulthood. Anyone who experiences any type of abuse or trauma, regardless of socioeconomic status, lives with it forever. AceStudy.org reports that “studies reveal staggering proof of the health, social, and economic risks that result from childhood trauma.”
The above stats are a harsh reality to swallow. Maybe that is why we joke about it on social media and never allow the subject to be talked about in public. In our society it is so easy to joke about some pretty messed up things, yet when someone has something real to talk about people clam up and don’t know what to say.
Well, sometimes you don’t have to say anything. Sometimes you just need to not be scared of the truth, open your heart and ears, and listen. Allowing someone to hurt and express their hurt might be all they need to feel reassured and start to heal; even if it is something as taboo as molestation. We all need healing.
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This article was also published on the national magazine Social Work Helper.
Travis Lloyd is an inspiring motivational speaker with a powerful story of Overcoming Adversities to achieve happiness and Success – Against All Odds. As a youth motivational speaker, Lloyd’s audiences include high school, college, leadership events, and conferences for educators, child welfare and mental health professionals. He speaks and performs internationally, but still works as a Mental Health Crisis Worker and advocates for social change that impacts at-risk populations. He is a board member of Foster Care Alumni of America, VP of the Our Fields Of Hope Foundation and co-author of the book Fostering Hope For America. Find out more at www.TravisLloyd.net.
Motivational speaker Travis Lloyd believes that “If someone else can do it, so can you!”
