Experts estimate there are 39 million survivors of child sexual abuse in America today and that 1 in 4 girls will be a victim of sexual abuse at some point in their life. However, I think the estimations and statistics are off. Take my own family for instance; in two seprate generations there is a total of 12 women. Of those 12 women 6 of us are victims of sexual abuse. Sadly enough, we were abused at the hands of someone we know; not a stranger and not the same person either. As children we are taught to be wary of strangers but never to "look out for Uncle John!" Boys aren't safe from sexual predators either!! Statistics estimate that 1 in 6 boys wil be sexually abused. Again, usually by someone they know and trust. We should never be afraid or uncomfortable to tell children that it is NOT ok if Daddy, Uncle Tom, Aunt Karen, Grandpa, or Mr. Steve and even sometimes Mom touch you in certain ways. And if you are or someone you know are the victim of ANY type of abuse never, ever, ever be afraid to talk about it or report it. Keep talking about it until someone believes you, tell your children to do the same. Encourage others to report abuse, it is never ok, not even once!
On a final note, I have to get this off my chest; if someone demands that you keep quiet about your abuse then they are just allowing the abuse to continue whether it has stopped or not. It is not healthy to bury it and keep it a secret from anyone! If so, it WILL happen to someone else.
Ok, *stepping down from my soap box* have a good night!
P.S. check out http://www.searchingforangelashelton.com/
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