For weeks now, a troubling thought has been nagging at me. With the resurgence of the #TimesUp movement, sparked by influential voices like Ava Hart, I can’t help but reflect on Tarana Burke’s original purpose for the #MeToo movement over a decade ago. She aimed to uplift young women of color who had endured sexual violence, giving them a platform and a voice. Fast forward twelve years, and I find myself questioning whether we’ve truly made progress for the most vulnerable among us.
Foster children are alarmingly at risk, facing sexual abuse at rates ten times higher than those living with both biological parents, according to a 2010 congressional report. Despite this knowledge, the abuse continues unabated. A smaller study focusing on girls in foster care found that a staggering 81% reported experiencing sexual abuse, with 68% subjected to multiple perpetrators.
Take the story of our Choice Network advocate, Maya. While she has vivid memories of her past, the specifics of her own abuse are buried deep in trauma. She recalls fragments but struggles to articulate her experiences before age eight. However, she is acutely aware of the abuses faced by her foster siblings. The statistic that they are ten times more likely to suffer abuse doesn’t surprise her; it resonates all too painfully.
I admire the women who use their platforms to advocate for all women, sharing their experiences and cultivating a sense of unity among those who’ve faced harassment. Many can relate to stories of unwanted advances in the workplace or uncomfortable situations at social events. Yet, the plight of foster children remains largely unrecognized and misunderstood. Confronting a broken system that penalizes struggling families while endangering children is uncomfortable and, frankly, many prefer to look the other way.
This avoidance risks leaving the stories of these children unheard. As the #TimesUp and #MeToo movements gain momentum, we must ask ourselves: how can we also uplift the voices of those who are most at risk? While some states are attempting to protect children through initiatives like New York’s Child Victims Act, this is merely a small step toward a more comprehensive solution.
Hashtags and state legislation are just the beginning of a vital dialogue. The first step is to educate ourselves about the harsh realities of sexual abuse within the foster care system and leverage our privilege to amplify the voices that remain silent.
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In summary, as we stand in solidarity for women’s rights, let’s not forget those who are voiceless and vulnerable. We must confront the uncomfortable truths and work towards systemic change for foster children.
Keyphrase: foster children and #TimesUp
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