The Silent Epidemic: Child Sexual Abuse
Nearly 42 million people are living with a history of sexual abuse during childhood.
By Elaine Cox, M.D., Contributor June 1, 2018, at 6:00 a.m.
Imagine a child sitting in a hospital room with a lack of hair and tied to an IV pole. He or she is feeling poorly and looks ill. The child is a victim of cancer. They may be tragically aware their life is to be cut short. All around them, there are adults taking care of them and suffering as well – family members, nurses, doctors and friends. Chaplains, social workers and child life experts are on the lookout for coping mechanisms. It's a heartbreaking scene for everyone.
Now imagine, if you will, a child who looks despondent. He or she is sitting in a room, alone with darkness around them. They, too, are contemplating a future that is dark and hopeless. Only in this case, the child is alone – likely because no one knows of their suffering. They keep it silent and hidden. They are the victims of child sexual abuse.
https://health.usnews.com/health-care/for-better/articles/2018-06-01/the-silent-epidemic-child-sexual-abuse
