Child sexual abuse is a huge problem in Peru - it is something that happens hourly. But what makes it an even bigger problem is that no one ever talks about it. Children are taught that they do not have rights. They are small; they are innocent; and they believe they are defenseless. No one has ever told them that they have rights and that laws exist to express these rights. This plague has blurred the family value system that should be protecting these defenseless children - through the knowledge of prevention. They need to know they deserve respect and “It’s OK to say NO!”
Dream Center Peru has reason to be so passionate about this subject - over half of the DCP interns, apprentices, and staff were sexually abused as children. They know what it is like to live under the fear, lack of self esteem and value that comes with abuse. They never knew that it was ok to say no… But now they have a voice to tell others!
Dream Center Peru, in collaboration with Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) and Acción Para Los Ninos, is currently taking on the huge task of teaching Peru about preventing child sexual abuse. Not only do children need to know what to do if they are abused, they need to know they have a legal right to say no. It is not all or nothing- there are many levels of abuse. Teachers and ministers need to know how to counsel a child who comes to them after being abused; they need to know how to react and what action to take. And parents need to know how to protect their children and that trusting their children and listening when they are told of abuse is important- child sexual abuse leaves a lasting effect in the life of a child.
The campaign, “It’s OK to say NO!” will change the nation of Peru. In over 80 cities children will learn of their rights, teachers will learn how to help, and parents will learn how to do their part in protecting their children. But even more important is the message of hope and love and of Jesus Christ that will accompany the anti-abuse message. Families will be invited to evening events where videos and testimonies from CBN’s program Vida Dura and movie “Con Quien Te Vas?” will be played on a gigantic screen. Families will not only learn that it’s ok to say no to abuse, but that saying yes to God is the best remedy.
Please join us in prayer and consider a gift for this campaign as we attempt to change the nation of Peru one city at a time, giving them hope and letting everyone know that “It’s OK to say NO!
"My uncle gave me money and took me to his room, and there he abused me, then he told me not to say anything. It happened in my grandmother’s house.” Pamela, 10 years old
"My father hits me so much, and my mother always tells me,” that I never will learn,” she just insults me. My father also hits my sister and then my brother runs out of the house.” Keila, 9 years old
"I used to sell candies on the street, a man robbed me and sexually abused me, when I went home my mother hit me. I’m so afraid!" Gisela, 8 years old
...............of the interns
“We had promised to visit Juan Pablo in Los Olivos, the show was good, the kids were focused. I was also able to talk with some of the kids after the event about their experiences with abuse.” Rita Huaman Huamani
“I shared my testimony for the first time and many kids accepted Christ. I thank God for those kids.” Fernandino Altamirano
Dream Center Peru hosted Metro Kids in Los Olivos for over three years. Jael commented, “The kids had been missing us. It was so awesome to see them and their willingness to receive what we are sharing about sexual abuse.” Jael Acevedo LLactas
