The Pataula Center for Children provides training & speakers on topics including child abuse & neglect, reporting abuse, recognizing abuse, & personal safety. All information we provide is customized based on the audience & the specific information requested. While not graphic. the topics may be difficult or uncomfortable for some to hear. However, breaking the silence is the start of breaking the cycle of abuse.

Don't be afraid - be aware!

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Important Statistics

 

• 1 in 10 children will be victimized by the age of 18.

• Only 12% of victims ever tell of their abuse in their lifetime.

• 90% of children know their abusers

• Child abuse occurs across all genders, socioeconomic levels, races, ethnicities, cultures, religions, & at all educational levels.

• Children who are sexually abused are 2.5 times more likely to abuse alcohol & 3.8 times more likely to become addicted to drugs.

• There are more child sexual abuse survivors than children who have been diagnosed with cancer.

 

"Oh no, I did NOT hear what I think I just heard!"

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When children disclose abuse, it is often accidental. It may slip out in a moment of anger, frustration, or desperation. Our first reaction is shock. We don't understand why our child did not tell us sooner or why we did not realize what was happening. This is what makes sexual abuse so difficult to understand. As time goes on, adults begin to realize that the signs were there but not recognized. Children are often told by their abuser to keep the abuse a secret. Guilt, fear, & shame on the child's part add to their reasons to stay silent. If children do tell & are not believed, they are far more likely to stay silent in the future.

 

Talk to your children early about their bodies being private, use correct terms for body parts, & give them permission to say "No" to adults who make them uncomfortable.

Empower your children to keep them safe.