Survivors Can Thrive!: Stop the Silence of Child Sexual Abuse

April 19, 2009

Stop the Silence of Child Sexual Abuse

Today, starting at 8:00 a.m., Eastern Time, they ran. They ran in Washington D.C. as part of the Race and Rally to Stop The Silence of Child Sexual Abuse. It was the sixth annual event and they're raising more funds and more awareness every year.

Here's a video about the event:

Now, I'm no runner. And--as much as I'd love to see those cherry blossoms this time of year-- I just couldn't get out to D.C. to go to this rally in person (I hope to some day). But, I'm raising awareness here, at the Child Abuse Survivor ning network and on Twitter. And there's still more that you can do TODAY for this event as well.

First off, check out StopCSA's website to learn more about the cause: As Stop CSA says, It's everyone's problem. For instance, did you know?

73 percent of prostitutes were sexually abused before the age of 16;
83 percent of convicted killers (men and women) were physically and emotionally abused as children, and 32.2 percent were sexually abused;
60 percent of teenage mothers were sexually abused as children;
43 percent of runaways are sexually abused

In fact, in the US alone, there are 40-60 MILLION survivors of childhood sexual abuse. One in three girls and one in six boys in the US will be sexually abused by their 18th birthday. Yes, it is everyone's problem.

Here are some more links, stats, and photos and ways to get involved at the StopCSA site:

For stats and info on mental health-related problems, substance abuse issues and prevalence in the general population click the "The Cause: Child Sexual Abuse" page.
If you are a survivor of CSA and you want to tell some of your story and share your photo on their web site, please check out StopCSA's "A Call to Action to Survivors" page.
If you'd like to read an example of what one survivor had to share, go to the "A Survivor Speaks Out" page.
If you'd like to view a beautiful slide show of survivors click here.

Now, please consider making a donation to Stop the Silence, StopCSA.org:

Click here: to make a secure donation through Paypal.
If you'd rather make a purchase with proceeds going to StopCSA, visit the online mall here.

Don't forget, childhood sexual abuse is everyone's problem. So, do what you can to raise awareness today and all month long during April's Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness month. I'm off to the Child Abuse Survivor network, Bloggers Unite and Twitter to continue spreading the word. Won't you tweet, join a discussion thread or blog today, too?

Please Note: Rainbow from Haunted House and Child Person from the South have already put up blog posts to Stop the Silence. If you post about it, let me know and I'll link to your blog post, too!

Update: Here are a couple more brave bloggers who submitted posts to Stop the Silence: Mom Writes for a Cause and The Filipina Mom in Denmark. Thanks for your contributions!

If child sexual abuse is everyone's problem, then everyone can also be part of the solution!

Labels: abuse, advocacy, awareness, Bloggers Unite, breaking the cycle, childhood sexual abuse, network, rape, sexual abuse survivors, sexual violence, Twitter

# posted by Marj aka Thriver @ Sunday, April 19, 2009

Comments:

i'm so glad you found my blog, so that i could find yours. you are very inspiring. thank you for writing me. and for writing.

# posted by

Anonymous : April 19, 2009 12:15 PM

Glad we found each other. I like this blogging community! :)

# posted by

Marj aka Thriver : April 19, 2009 12:26 PM

it appears today was a success! makes us happy we were part of this. disturbing comments on some of my posts...when you have time, please read my post about writing to myself or being messed with...and let me know your thoughts...ty...hugs

# posted by

Rainbow : April 19, 2009 11:12 PM

Marj, greetings this Monday. Thank you for posting this information. The stats are astounding, to say the least! Thank you so much for providing such vital information and links for us to all share.
Have a blessed day dear one!!

# posted by

Just Be Real : April 20, 2009 2:52 AM

Hi, Rainbow! I'm so glad you were part of this with me. Thanks!

I had, what sounds like, a similar experience fairly recently, so I can relate, I'm sure. I'll come over and take a look.

# posted by

Marj aka Thriver : April 20, 2009 9:17 AM

Just Be Real: I'm having some really scary part activity lately, so today I have an "extra" therapy session.

I find that the advocacy and raising awareness really helps me just feel better. So, maybe it will be a good Monday. Thanks for those blessings; I need 'em today! :)

# posted by

Marj aka Thriver : April 20, 2009 9:22 AM

((((Safe hugs))))) to go along with those blessings. I hope t today helped a bit dear one!

# posted by

Just Be Real : April 20, 2009 4:47 PM

JBR: We got a lot of work done, but now the anguish of the memory we worked on is really hitting me hard. Thanks for those hugs. Need 'em bad!

# posted by

Marj aka Thriver : April 21, 2009 11:34 AM

You are an inspiration. Warmest Wishes...

# posted by

Mommy vs. the Monsters : June 04, 2009 10:34 AM

Exposing Scottish Child Paedophile Ring
http://truthinjustice.ning.com/profiles/profile/show?id=ExposeExpose&