Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse Stressed
Sunday, April 14, 2013 @ 5:47 AM
Victoria, B.C. – The provincial government has declared the week of April 14th to 20th Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Week, a period to recognize the traumatic impacts of child sexual abuse.
The most conservative research estimates indicate at least 10 per cent of boys and 20 per cent of girls are victimized. And victims can experience personal, social and health problems, including the loss of self-esteem, relationship problems, mental-health problems, substance abuse, economic hardship, homelessness and suicide.
Public awareness, community education and clinical services and support for children and families, including those provided by Sexual Abuse Intervention Programs (SAIP) throughout the province, are key to addressing the issue. The province also operates Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN) units, which provide specialized medical assessment for children and youth who have been, or are suspected of being sexually and/or physically abused. As well there’s a toll-free 24 hour helpline for children – 310-1234 – which can be accessed from anywhere in B.C. Anyone can call –children or teenagers who need help, parents in crisis or anyone who knows or suspects a child is being abused or neglected.
Minister of Justice and Attorney-general Shirley Bond says “There is no priority more important than ensuring that children and youth who may have been abused are receiving appropriate services and supports. We have provided funding and support to service providers working within the justice system to make it a less intimidating place for children.”
Comments
The statistics I have on abuse is 1 in 3 girls (before the age of 16) and 1 in 6 boys (before the age of 16). This is from Little Warriors. The statistics you have published are VERY conservative.
Nonetheless, this is an important issue and must be openly addressed. I’m very pleased to see that this issue is being brought to the forefront through an abuse prevention week.
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