Myth: It’s only abuse if it’s violent.

Fact: Physical abuse is just one type of child abuse. Neglect and emotional abuse can be just as damaging, and since they are more subtle, others are less likely to intervene.

Myth: Only bad people abuse their children.

Fact: While it’s easy to say that only “bad people” abuse their children, it’s not always so black and white. Not all abusers are intentionally harming their children. Many have been victims of abuse themselves, and don’t know any other way to parent. Others may be struggling with mental health issues or a substance abuse problem.

Myth: Child abuse doesn’t happen in “good” families.

Fact: Child abuse doesn’t only happen in poor families or bad neighborhoods. It crosses all racial, economic, and cultural lines. Sometimes, families who seem to have it all from the outside are hiding a different story behind closed doors.

Myth: Most child abusers are strangers.

Fact: While abuse by strangers does happen, most abusers are family members or others close to the family.

Myth: Abused children always grow up to be abusers.

Fact: It is true that abused children are more likely to repeat the cycle as adults, unconsciously repeating what they experienced as children. On the other hand, many adult survivors of child abuse have a strong motivation to protect their children against what they went through and become excellent parents.

The post Myths & Facts about Abuse first appeared on Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri.

Top Ten Embryo Adoption Facts

1. Embryo adoption allows the adopting (also called “receiving”) family to experience pregnancy and birth.
2. We call it adoption, because the receiving family will be raising a child that is not biologically related to them.
3. Many families who were unsuccessful in achieving a pregnancy through In Vitro Fertilization have been successful in achieving a pregnancy through Embryo Adoption.
4. There are over 600,000 frozen embryos currently in storage in the United States.
5. Embryos adoption is governed by property law. Families sign a contract which transfers the embryos from one family to another.
6. Embryo adoption often costs much less than traditional adoption, generally between $12,000-$15,000.
7. An adopting mother can work with her own physician or fertility specialist to prepare her body to receive the embryos.
8. The level of openness in the process is determined by both the donor and the receiving families.
9. Most receiving families are matched with a donor family within 6 months.
10. Lutheran Family and Children’s Services of Missouri has partnered with Nightlight Christian Adoption Agency’s Snowflake Program to offer embryo adoption to Missouri families. Call 866-326-5327 for more information!

The post 10 Facts about Embryo Adoption first appeared on Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri.