The Me Too movement made its way across the US in recent days. After the trial began, Amanda Thornashow used a term that has since taken root as a group of people banding together. The Army of Survivors Foundation is spreading its wings to give help and support to victims of sexual abuse. They may not have their business status until January, but they're building momentum till they get there. Their twitter is @survivorsarmy and instagram is @thearmyofsurvivors if you'd like to support and learn more about them.
I first read about it in USA Today a few weeks ago. The desire to help welled up in me. If you follow me on any social media, you'll see that I am a volunteer for two charities at present. One of them is The Martin House, a Children's Advocacy Center, that serves both Gregg and Harrison Counties. They serve families who may have been affected by abuse. It is emotional to know that children, some very young, have been abused physically or sexually, usually by someone they know and trusted. Many people think that this only happens to females, but that's not so. Males are also victimized. Not only that, but often, a female is the abuser.
30% of sexual abuse perpetrators are family members. The Martin House invites suspected children to come tell what happened to them in a safe, friendly environment surrounded by people who have a heart to help them. I know first hand because I've sat with a family during this trying time.
The waiting area is bright and colorful. Toys, books, and games are there to keep children entertained while they wait or for a sibling to occupy themselves with during their visit. Parents or guardians have a comfortable couch or chairs to sit in and magazines to go through as well. They're offered materials to help them through these situations. Counseling is also offered for the victims.
After a child has said what they need to say they return to the play area and are offered a snack and a drink. Before they go, each child is able to choose a comfort item to take from a closet, Rebecca's Closet, full of items ranging from stuffed animals to footballs.
My makeup artist, Ashley, is a Younique consultant. During her branding session I learned that Younique offers help for prevention of abuse through Defend Innocence They also offer support for adult victims of childhood abuse through a retreat, Reclaim Hope, that is fully funded by the makeup and supporters who donate to them.
While I'm not much of a makeup person, I fully support Younique because of the stand they take to help these survivors. There are times they give 100% of the proceeds from items to Defend Innocence. They're a good company and I'll use them for that reason.
Since learning about The Army of Survivors Foundation, I've reached out to them. Their mission is to not only raise awareness to prevent sexual assaults on children, but also to give support to other nonprofits who take the same stand.
Please be a voice for a child if you know they've been abused. They are suffering in silence until someone takes the lead for them. Often times they're confused and may act out or become promiscuous due to what's happened to them. The Martin House website offers helps online here.
I implore you to do the right thing. Oftentimes teenage victims will feel ashamed or embarrassed to say what happened to them. That's a perfectly healthy response. What they need is someone to care for them appropriately. You can be the one who doesn't turn your head away when they come to you. Don't pass it off if you suspect abuse. lease go to the police, a counselor, or a pastor and be their voice.
Children are innocent. The term that Younique uses is Defend Innocence. We can do that together. Join me!
If you know of a nonprofit that helps childhood or adult victims of abuse that I haven't shared, please share them in a comment below, whether they're local, nationwide, or even international. Everyone deserves to be heard.
Thanks to the Herman Lawfirm who reached out offering their resources here. Find a lawyer if needed: hermanlaw.com/child-sex-abuse-lawyer/
I Defend Innocence with The Army of Survivors,
Zoe
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