Trinity Teen Statistics on Sexual Abuse

Here at Trinity Teen Solutions, we work to engage the bodies, minds and spirits of young women struggling with an array of challenges. It saddens us to learn that (at the core of these challenges) is often a history of sexual abuse.

An estimated 90 percent of our girls have experienced some form of sexual abuse. While some entered the program because of such a history, as many as 95 percent don’t reveal their victimization until much later in the therapeutic process. Like peeling the many layers of an onion, we had to work through the psychological and emotional barriers which kept their abuse a secret. Once out in the open, an amazing spiritual transformation occurred.

Upon learning their daughter was sexually abused, many of our parents feel responsible or guilty. They should not, as:

• More than 30 percent of victims never tell anyone.
• Close to 80 percent of victims deny the abuse and hesitate to disclose about it.
• Of the disclosures, 75 percent are done accidentally; while 20 percent recant out of fear.

Sexual abuse is a horrendous crime which plagues more children than society realizes. While thousands of charges are filed yearly, a vast majority go unreported. Current statistics show that:

• One in four girls is sexually abused before age 18.
• Almost 70 percent of reported cases occurred before age 17.
• One in five children is sexually solicited via the Internet.
• There are approximately 39 million sexual-abuse survivors in today’s United States.

The behavioral problems for which girls are enrolled at Trinity Teen Solutions are largely explained by their history of sexual abuse, as:

• Victims report more problems with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression, and problems at school than non-victims.
• Sexually-abused girls are at a greater risk for eating disorders.
• Seventy to 80 percent of children who are sexually abused grow up to use drugs and alcohol.
• Young girls who are sexually abused are three times more likely to develop psychiatric disorders.
• Close to 50 percent of women in prisons admit to being sexually abused as children.

These numbers are startling, but they’re all the more reason to help our young people while we can. A full 96 percent of the girls who come to Trinity and complete their stay effectively overcome the struggles in their lives due to our family-style, residential treatment program. By addressing the dangers targeting our youth, we can work towards making a happier tomorrow for them.

Angie Woodward is a Registered Nurse in Wyoming and is the founder and owner/director of Trinity Teen Solutions, Inc. TTS is a licensed Christian Residential Treatment center for troubled teen girls, young adult women, and their families. Call 307-645-3384 for a free consultation

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