Full disclosure, child abuse prevention month is actually in April. We know, we know. Usually SARCC prioritize is sharing accurate information. We are asking your forgiveness for this one exception. April is sexual assault awareness month, too, and we have a lot of things to say specifically about that. However, child abuse prevention month is also incredibly important. We decided to dedicate the month of March to a series on child abuse prevention.
Each year, approximately 1/3, or 300 to 400 children, request sexual assault supportive services from SARCC. Children and teens make up one of the largest populations of survivors that we support through advocacy, counseling, trauma therapy, and accompaniment to legal and medical settings.
We also know that early experiences of sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, or emotional abuse, have a lasting impact on children as they grow into adults. The trauma of child abuse has lasting effects on relationships, mental health, and well-being, and physical health.
The adverse childhood experiences study Followed the impact of multiple experiences of trauma across the lifespan. They found that the more abuse, a child endured, the worse, their outcomes for a variety of health factors. Not only were adults who had experienced victimization more likely to have suicidal ideation or anxiety and depression, they were also more likely to experience heart attacks and cancer.
Preventing early abuse and victimization also helps to prevent later experiences of sexual assault, domestic violence, group, violence, and gun violence in our communities. Even adults who experienced abuse in childhood can benefit from getting help and supportive services later on. There is no timeline on when and how a survivor of childhood abuse asks for help. If you or someone you know could benefit from talking with a counselor, a therapist, or a hotline advocate, let them know that they can call the SARCC hotline at any time you can reach us at (570-628-2965) or (717-272-5308).
