ARE YOU READY TO TAKE THE COUCH??
Rape is one of the most underreported violent crimes, according to the Department of Justice, regardless of the victim’s sex, age, race, ethnicity, religion or class. But as a group, African American women are the least likely to break the silence.
Child sexual abuse impacts more Americans annually than cancer, AIDS, gun violence, LGBTQ inequality, and the mortgage crisis combined. Child sexual abuse is the abuse that occurs in the institution that predates all others: the family. Incest was the first form of institutional abuse, and it remains by far the most widespread. One in three-to-four girls, and one in five-to-seven boys, are sexually abused before they turn 18, an overwhelming incidence of which happens within the family.
Ninety-five percent of teen prostitutes and at least one-third of female prisoners were abused as kids. Sexually abused youth are twice as likely to be arrested for a violent offense as adults, are at twice the risk for lifelong mental-health issues, and are twice as likely to attempt or die from teen suicide. Incest is the single largest factor between drug and alcohol addiction, mental illness, teenage and adult prostitution, criminal activity, and eating disorders.
How can we help our children or adults who come forward and confide in you about abuse? The first thing is to listen, not to ridicule or interrogate them in a way that makes them feel ashamed and do not victim blame.
If the abuse is recent, take the child to the ER for immediate health care. The child should also see their pediatrician. If they are adult age and disclosing abuse that occurred as a child, strongly encourage them to seek mental health treatment.
Here are some local resources:
Of course, Comfort Tea - comfort_tea@yahoo.com
website : http://www.comforttea.org
facebook: Comfort Tea Inc
IG: Comfort_tea_inc
Donations are accepted through cash app at $comforttea
or directly through the website.
Hosanna 4 Youth, CEO Angine Moss - hosanna4youth@gmail.com
OTHER RESOURCES:
National Helpline: 866.FOR.LIGHT
Click This Link: https://www.d2l.org/get-help/resources/
