When news broke of the horrifying fate 3-year-old Mariah Woods suffered at the hands of her mother's boyfriend, 32-year-old Earl Kimrey, many were baffled as to how she could have been kidnapped from her own bed, as her mum then claimed.
Now even more terrifying details have emerged that have made the case even more heartbreaking. According to a report by Yahoo, court documents state that Mariah Woods' mum, Kristy Hunter, knew of the ongoing sexual abuse and did nothing to intervene.
What's more, Mariah's 10-year-old brother, who was also subject to physical abuse by Kimrey, reportedly witnessed his little sister being sexually abused.
Mariah Woods was found lifeless in a North Carolina creek days after she was kidnapped
Mariah was first reported missing in late November; her lifeless body was found in a creek near her home in Jacksonville, North Carolina days later.
Mariah's father never believed the claims that his daughter was snatched from her bed in the middle of night, reports Yahoo, because she would have cried or screamed if this were really the case. It is especially unbelievable seeing as there were four people in the house the night she went missing.
As of this writing, the investigation into the tragic crime is ongoing. In memory of Mariah, a candlelight vigil was organized in her honor. A large crowd gathered and wrote loving messages for Mariah in her hometown of North Carolina.
How to teach children to protect themselves at a young age
Cases of child sexual abuse are truly devastating, but we can keep similar cases from happening in the future by spreading the word about how little girls and boys can protect themselves.
One of the most important ways to teach this is by telling kids about the difference of "good touch" and "bad touch."
Good touch = hugs, kisses from mum, dad, grandpa, and grandpa that are loving and safe.
Bad touch = any contact that makes them feel unsafe or uncomfortable, or touches that hurt them. Unwanted touches or touches and tickles them under clothing is definitely a no-no. They should immediately tell you about any touch that makes them feel fear, pain or discomfort.
It can be tricky to teach safety against sexual abuse to younger kids because the concept of adults who could potentially harm them can be too complex and downright scary.
But there are ways parents can approach this subject effectively. Here are a few guidelines to remember:
- First, start by assuming a neutral, matter-of-fact tone. Don't alarm them.
- Make sure they know the correct names for each private parts of their body. (They will be able to communicate better if they know what to call them.)
- Teach them that they are "the boss" when it comes to their body.
- Let them know that they have the right to say "No!" even to adults
- Make sure they know that even the most trusted relatives---be it their brother, uncle, or cousin---has to respect the difference between "good touch" and "bad touch."
- Help them visualise what areas are "off limits" (For instance, teach them that anything covered up when they are wearing their bathing suits are strictly off limits.)
- Most of all, if you have the slightest suspicion that a relative or friend could harm your child in any way, minimize their interactions with them.
- For older kids, you can also task them with watching over their younger siblings and to report any suspicious behavior to you.
- Reassure them feel that they can share things with you. No secrets. They should not be ashamed if they feel the least bit uncomfortable.
The best way to protect our kids is to empower them to protect themselves.
sources: Yahoo, Time, Family Help Center
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