Imagine the sounds of a happy childhood. Laughter, singing and the sounds of outdoor play are just a few of the sounds of happiness. For many children the possibility of a happy childhood has been destroyed. The sound of a bedroom door and an adult sneaking in who says “SHHHHH, this is our secret” banish childhood laughter.
Childhood sexual abuse is a significant issue in the United States. Studies show that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys are abused before the age of 18. The current population of adult survivors is estimated at 39 million .
The effect of childhood sexual abuse leaves lasting effects on adult survivors. Compared to people with no history of childhood sexual abuse, adult survivors are more than twice as likely to have attempted suicide. In addition, adult survivors report trouble in their marriages 40-50% more often than those who were not abused as children. Many survivors turn to substance abuse or other destructive behaviors. In the worst cases the abused become abusers, 75% of serial rapists were sexually abused as children.
Evidence that a child is being sexually abused is not always obvious and many children do not report that they have been abused. To put an end to abuse children must be encouraged to speak up, however over 30% of children never tell anyone that they are being abused.
Embrace Your Secret distributes copies of the book, Missy has a Secret to schools, churches, law enforcement agencies and other agencies that provide services to children. Missy has a Secret is the story of a young girl named Missy who is being abused by a neighbor. It describes the process she undergoes as she prepares to share the secret with her parents.
We encourage children to tell their secret to put an end to abuse. Your financial support provides the book Missy has a Secret by Sandra Haner and Mary Fox Prather to children.
Our organization provides financial assistance for intensive outpatient treatment for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Many adult survivors are trapped in destructive behaviors rooted in past abuse. In addition many survivors do not have the resources to participate in intensive outpatient treatment.
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"Missy has a Secret, tells a story that many children with no idea what to do. It gives a clear direction and a clear sense of hope.”
-Jim Sawin, Principal, Central Park Elementary, Aberdeen, Washington
