|
||
Let’s look at a difficult subject. A subject that for many of us we downplay its existence or significance in our own lives or the lives of those around us. Or at best, we are ignorant to the facts. It is a subject that most of us choose to cover our ears and yell nanananana. I am talking about sexual abuse. Take a look at these statistics:
So what do these facts tell us? Simply that we or someone we know has or will be sexually abused (not to mention the fact that we are or know someone who is an abuser)! Holy crud! Let me put it another way. If you have let’s say about 20 friends, statistics tell us that approximately 4 of them have been abused! Yes that’s right, about 4. So why are we so quiet? Why do we pretend this evil behavior does not take place? Why don’t we acknowledge its existence and then do something about it? And then we wonder why victims feel such shame and don’t want to come forward for help. Hum... To help raise awareness about sexual abuse and to help answer some of these tough questions, Foothills Alliance of Anderson hosted an awareness walk on April 28th. Held at Veteran’s Park in Pendleton, Put Your Foot Down was a great success. People from all over the area came out to show their support for this great cause. Let me close with this, if you have thoughts of abusing someone; if you know someone who has or is currently being abused; or you have been sexually abused, please know there are some great people who can help you in your struggle. Reach out; contact an organization like Foothills Alliance. Or your local churches or police department should have services to assist you in finding help. Tell someone... Don’t stay quiet any more! PS: Thanks to the great volunteers who came out to serve. You are the best! |