17 Comments
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Christine Dabbs's avatar

Also, the coach’s abuse started at I can’t afford to stay here!

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Francesca Fartaj's avatar

Yes. Exactly. Horrible.

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Kelly Bayett's avatar

100%

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Christine Dabbs's avatar

The coach crossed the line of Almost. It was sexual abuse. Excellent article, thought provoking.

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J. Ernesto's avatar

This is a great reflective piece. What is my duty in the face of almost?

Allow no excuses, validate & protect.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. - B.F

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Claire Smith's avatar

Wow. This is strong and powerful piece. Tough to read but necessary. It is making me feel, and remember, too much. I am sorry that you had these experiences. No one should

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Francesca Fartaj's avatar

It was hard to write but necessary. Prior to researching I was not aware of the textbook signs of grooming. Now I am glad that I do know so that I can watch and also teach my own children.

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Claire Smith's avatar

It is sad that you have to teach your children about this.

I could not read any of the others, and had to do something else to get my mind off of it. It has stayed with me.

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Yousra's avatar

The article shook me to my core. Powerful piece. Thank you for sharing ❤️

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Francesca Fartaj's avatar

It was a difficult one to write. Thanks for your support. Xoxo

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Bita manochehri kalantari's avatar

As always very nicely written. But it is so sad and horrible. Thanks for sharing with us. 💕

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Ruth Bracegirdle's avatar

There really is no such thing as "almost", in my opinion. A transgression did take place. This was a form of sexual assault. For an adult to make a child feel this way is emotionally abusive. Everything he said to them was meant to intimidate. To gain power. Thank god the older child had enough sense of self to be able to take back some power to protect them both.

This is what we must teach our children. Respect for their own instincts and a strong sense of bodily autonomy. ❤️

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Francesca Fartaj's avatar

Very great point. Thank you for your insightful perspective. Your absolutely right.

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James Hall's avatar

Wow! That’s a pretty heavy piece. And whoever said that we’ve all been in similar situations was right.. I’ve just never stop to think about it. In light of reading this I would definitely say almost is too far.

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Francesca Fartaj's avatar

Thank you for your thoughts and consideration on this James. Yes. Too far.

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Kelly Bayett's avatar

So eloquently said. The grey area of almost can be too much to handle ❤️

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Mr. Jreft's avatar

Very nicely written. Thanks for making us think about situations we have all been in.

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