The Problem – Our Opportunity

Child sexual abuse survivors in US – approximately 42 million

Adult retrospective studies show that 1 in 6 women and 1 in 4 men were sexually abused before the age of 18 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2006). This means there are more than 42 million adult survivors of child sexual abuse in the U.S.

Problem:  No child is immune from abuse. There is considerable overlap between physical, sexual and emotion abuse. Children who suffer from one abuse are significantly more likely to suffer other forms of abuse (Brier end Runtz 1990; Bifulco et al 1991; Mullen et al, 1996; Fergusson et al 1997; Fleming et a l 1997).

Research shows that people who are sexually violated as children are far more likely to experience psychological problems often lasting into adulthood, including Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, depression, suicide, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, school dropout and relationship problems. (www.d2l.org)

Opportunity: We have an opportunity to save a child from being sexually abused by raising  awareness throughout the community on awareness, prevention,  and long term consequences of child sexual abuse. Adult survivors of child sexual abuse have the opportunity to discuss their abuse and the impact it has on their life in a safe and caring environment. Survivors are not alone.  Maximizing God’s Woman empowers survivors not just to survive – but to thrive in living a productive life and reaching their destiny.