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As a School Counselor, watching the devastating effects of sexual abuse on her beloved students prompted Ms. Ayo to create a public platform to prevent and eradicate the physical and sexual abuse of ALL children. She started her campaign by creating the Ask Ayo Children's Book Series. The goal of "My Body Is Mine" was to develop children's literature that both defines child sexual abuse and emboldens children to stand up if any adult or teen crosses boundaries. The book allows families to develop a plan of action and make an uncomfortable conversation... comfortable. Ms. Ayo shared her thoughts about CSA. "As a survivor of child sexual abuse, I wrote the book I wish someone had read to me when I was a child. The issue of boundaries and consent can be relevantly and appropriately discussed Pre-K through Middle School. Educated children are empowered children". 

 

In a recent interview, Ms. Ayo gave her views on parents, caregivers and school districts missing the opportunity to bring up a very real threat to our children." A child catching on fire is a very uncomfortable topic but we still have children recite "stop, drop and roll" because we want to protect them from harm IF the unfortunate circumstance were to occur. We should be equally comfortable discussing the serious violation of Child Sexual Abuse. We know that CSA is statistically more likely to happen to a child than a fire". 

 

According to the CDC (Centers of Disease Control), in the United States, 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually assaulted before they turn 18 years of age.  Prevention education and actively engaging in community dialogue about sexual abuse/assault will bring this topic out of the shadows. During her interview Ms. Ayo went on to say "When we remain silent we allow the predators to define the narrative for our children's safety"