One conversation can make all the difference'
Geldrop-Mierlo is calling attention to this important issue during the Week Against Child Abuse. Don't look away from suspicions of child abuse. Do you have a gut feeling that something is not going well with a child or family? Call Safe Home via 0800-2000 (free and anonymous). Together we can make a difference.
As a child, Sylvia grew up in an unsafe home situation. Her father drank a lot and became violent. Later, she was sexually abused by her grandfather. When her grandmother died, her world collapsed. She had panic attacks and ran away from home several times. A biology teacher at school was the first person to really ask how she was doing. Thanks to him, she got help and was able to be placed out of the home.
Years later, being a mother herself, Sylvia noticed that old traumas were resurfacing. She got therapy and found support from her neighbor. Now Sylvia works as an expert by experience and shares her story to help others. Her message is clear: "Listen to your gut feeling. Do you see that someone is scared, or do you suspect something is wrong? Start the conversation. One conversation can make all the difference."