The First Line of Defense

Child sexual abuse is the conversation every father wants to avoid because the mere thought of it is paralyzing. But here is the hard truth: Silence is the predator’s greatest ally. Our discomfort is their opportunity. To be the true 'Sentinel' of our homes, we have to be willing to look at the 'unthinkable' so that we can prevent the 'irreparable.' and that’s exactly what we’re going to talk about in this episode.Veronica Thompson is a leading voice in trauma-informed, faith-based advocacy. She doesn't just talk about the statistics; she provides a blueprint for dads to build a culture of safety, to recognize the subtle 'grooming' behaviors that others might miss, and to know exactly how to lead if the worst-case scenario is suspected.Find the books Veronica mentioned in this episode here: https://linktr.ee/thefatherhoodchallengeWebsite: https://www.veronicathompson.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586131773904Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veronicathompsonlcsw/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-thompson-lcsw-4509464/Special thanks to Smile Online Course & Books for sponsoring this episode. To learn more visit: https://thefatherhoodchallenge--smileteenskills.thrivecart.com/social-career-skills-accelerator/Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastrhttps://zencastr.com/?via=thefatherhoodchallenge00:03.32Jonathan GuerreroAs fathers, we are hardwired to be protectors. If a physical intruder broke into our homes tonight, most of us wouldn't hesitate to put our lives on the line to stand between that threat and our children.00:16.31Jonathan GuerreroWe lock our doors, we check the windows, and we stay vigilant against the dangers that we can see. But there is a threat that often bypasses the looks of the the locks and the windows.00:26.80VeronicaThank00:29.04Jonathan GuerreroIt's a threat that thrives in the shadows, in the silence, and painfully, often within the circles of trust that we believe are safe.00:40.60Jonathan GuerreroChild sexual abuse is the is the conversation every father wants to avoid because the mere thought of it is actually paralyzing. But here's the hard truth. Silence is the predator's greatest ally.00:54.36Jonathan GuerreroOur discomfort is their opportunity and their strength. To be the true sentinel of our homes, we have to be willing to look at the unthinkable so that we can prevent the ear so that we can prevent the irreparable. And that's exactly what we're going to do in just a moment. So don't go anywhere.01:16.07Jonathan GuerreroGreetings, everyone. Thank you so much for joining me in this episode called The First Line of Defense. And joining me is my guest, Veronica Thompson. Veronica is the leading voice in trauma-informed faith-based advocacy. She doesn't just talk about the statistics. She provides a blueprint for dads to build a culture of safety, to recognize the subtle grooming behaviors that often others might miss, and how to know exactly how to lead if the worst-case scenario is suspected. verona Veronica, thank you so much for being on the Fatherhood Challenge.01:52.18VeronicaThank you, Jonathan, for having me. I'm really excited to to talk to you and to have a conversation about how dads can support their families and their children and and keep them safe from from individuals who would like to harm them.02:06.17Jonathan GuerreroThis really, really is a heavy lift for many men. For the dad who is listening right now and feels that immediate tightness in his chest just hearing this topic or is checking that his gun is somewhere nearby, why is his emotional presence and awareness actually the most powerful defensive weapon?02:26.30VeronicaYes, um and his presence most certainly is the most powerful defensive weapon. So first for that dad, I just want to say take a breath with me. Just, um you know, kind of breathe in um and take a slow breath out and exhale because It is understandable that just the mere idea of your child being sexually abused just raises up really strong defenses.02:53.82Veronicaum But one of the things that I think a lot of dads, um what they want to do is they want to make it clear to their families, to their wives and their children, that they're there for them and they're going to defend them and that that if anyone tries to harm them, there are going to be huge consequences.03:14.68Veronicaum And I know that that comes from a a loving place in the heart of a father. The thing about it, though, is that um I've worked with survivors and families for a very long time.03:28.34VeronicaAnd one of the most common things that I hear is, I was afraid to tell my dad because I was afraid he would kill the perpetrator. I was afraid he was going to um just not be able to handle it and that something really bad was going to happen.03:43.86VeronicaAnd so, again, that is a very understandable um emotional reaction to have that, you know, if somebody harms my child, there's going to be severe consequences.03:...