It is time to bring to light the hidden child molesters in our families!

It is time to bring to light the hidden child molesters in our families

For too long, sex offenders have been able to fly under the radar in our families.

Child sexual abuse is a global pandemic. The problem is hidden in plain sight and perpetrators are often people we know and trust. In fact, family members are responsible for a large majority of child sexual abuse. It's time to break the silence and bring these child molesters to light.

Who are the perpetrators? (statistics from rainn.org)

family member: 34%

friend or acquaintance: 59%

stranger: 7%

This means that 8 out of 10 children who are sexually abused knows their abuser. The majority of abusers are family members, friends, or acquaintances. This is why it's so important to talk about this issue openly and why we need to break the silence surrounding child sexual abuse

What are the consequences of child sexual abuse?

Child sexual abuse can have lifelong consequences. Survivors of child sexual abuse are more likely to experience a host of problems, including:

- PTSD

- depression

- anxiety

- substance abuse

- eating disorders

- self-harm

- suicidal thoughts and behaviors

- problems in relationships

- difficulty trusting others

- angry outbursts

- flashbacks

- nightmares

These problems don't just go away on their own. Survivors of child sexual abuse need professional help to heal the wounds of their past. Unfortunately, many survivors never get the help they need because the topic is so taboo. We need to break the silence so that more survivors feel comfortable coming forward and getting the help they deserve.

It's so important to talk about this issue openly and why we need to break the silence surrounding child sexual abuse within our families

This is why we need to start Shining A Light on the hidden sex offenders in our families. By doing so, we can begin to hold them accountable no matter how long it’s been. In addition, we can help break the cycle of silence and shame that has allowed sex offenders to operate in the shadows for far too long.

Sex offenders have been able to hide in plain sight for far too long and go on to leave normal lives. But by Shining A Light on the hidden sex offenders in our families, we can begin to hold them accountable and protect potential victims from harm.

We need to break the silence so that more survivors feel comfortable coming forward.

Together, we can make our families and communities safer places for everyone involved.

­-ED Dudley