CHESTERMERE – Collette Sinnott is on a mission to start a movement of “talking about it.”
The Chestermere author of the new book “Should I Tell My Secret?”, which is designed to educate children about opening up abuse, said that too often parents and guardians have no idea how or where to start the conversation about sexual abuse.
“With one in three girls and one in six boys being affected by abuse that we know of, I would say this is a silent epidemic and not talking about it is no longer an option,” Sinnott said. “Starting this conversation can be scary or difficult to start for both parties, so I have created this little book as a tool to help any adult start this conversation.”
Sinnott starting working on the book last March, and said that she was inspired to do so because she is an abuse survivor herself.
“I now know how information could have changed things that happened in my life,” she said. “Being a mother, I know how difficult it can be to start this conversation.
“I wanted to create a tool to help any adult start this conversation in order to prevent abuse, uncover abuse, shorten the duration of abuse, and stop the silence.”
Sinnott’s said that her book, which is a 32-page colorfully illustrated children’s piece, is relatable to kids of any age, and that she hopes it will be one that they will pick up and read again and again.
“This book will engage a child and the game within the book will have a child wanting to read it over and over,” she said. “The more they read the book the more information they will remember.
“That is how we teach our children to protect themselves when we are not there to do so.”
Sinnott has received endorsements from several sexual prevention organizations such as Little Warriors, Darkness to Light, and Calgary Communities Against Child Sexual Abuse. Jack Canfield, author of the well-known “Chicken Soup for the Kid’s Soul” said that Sinnott’s book is “a powerful tool for any adult to start what can be a difficult conversation.
“Collette has given us a way that our children can relate to, to provide information that will surely empower them. Therefore helping to keep them safe.”
Sinnott herself said that she encourages anyone who doesn’t know how to approach this topic, to pick up and read the book to a child, and to let the story start the conversation for them.
“Information is power, so by empowering a child, we take power away from the secret and the abuser,” she said. “I cannot do this alone. I need everyone’s help to get my message out.”
For more information about the Sinnott and her book, go to www.collettesinnott.com.
