It is estimated 1-in-4 girls and 1-in-6 boys will be sexually assaulted before age 18. Yet, only 1-in-10 of these victims will disclose his or her abuse.
It has been several months since the charges of child sexual abuse against former Penn State football coach Jerry Sandusky stunned and changed the lives of so many forever. While there were many shocking aspects of this case, there is none greater than how many people apparently stood silent after being told a child had been sexually abused.
With this in mind, it is easy to see why 90 percent of victims of child sexual abuse choose not to come forward. According to the American Medical Association, this is a “silent epidemic.” It is plaguing our gymnasiums, classrooms, locker rooms, practice fields and living rooms, with 95 percent of child abuse victims knowing their perpetrators.
Last week, Tennessee Children’s Advocacy Centers launched a new public awareness campaign — One With Courage — that challenges adults to acknowledge the reality of child sexual abuse.
Every day at the 47 Children’s Advocacy Centers across the state, children summon the immense courage it takes to come forward and disclose abuse. On their behalf, a statewide coalition of child advocates has stepped forward.
Several prominent groups are promoting the campaign, including the Nashville Predators, the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference, the Tennessee Board of Regents, and the Tennessee Association of Police Chiefs.
Supporters have committed to sharing that knowledge with teammates, friends, family, patients, colleagues and constituents. That’s why they all attended the statewide campaign kick-off at the Tennessee State Capitol on March 8.
For too long, secrecy, shame, hurt, confusion and denial have worked to create an environment in our field houses, homes and communities where those abusing children could live largely unnoticed and unchallenged.
Child sexual abuse is a difficult issue, but the message is a hopeful one. Child advocates hope to put an end to this “silent epidemic” by uniting together to acknowledge this issue, learn the signs of abuse and spread the word.
The One With Courage campaign encourages the following:
• Demand training, education, and openness in the groups where your children are involved – churches, sports groups, clubs, everything.
• Teach your children about child sexual abuse. Nine out of 10 times, the abuser is someone your child knows, and trusts, and respects.
• Be an advocate, get the training you need, talk about the problem, and be active in demanding accountability.