When children are sexually abused, there are multiple traumatic effects:
 fear,
 nightmares,
 depression and other mental health problems, such as phobias, anxiety and/or feelings of low-self esteem,
 sexually transmitted diseases including HIV,
 hostility and victimization;
 physical injuries and
 self destructive behaviours, including suicide.

Adults who were sexually violated as children have a higher likelihood of a host of abuse-related difficulties including, but not limited to: depression, anxiety, self-mutilation, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and chronic disease.
Sexual Abuse of children is everyone's problem. Studies show that survivors of this abuse are vastly over-represented among certain groups, including teen mothers, run-aways, substance abusers, sex workers. A large majority of children who have been sexually abused also end up as convicted criminals, become abusers themselves, or are subjected to the abuse of a partner as an adult.

While the number of reported cases are increasing, the truth is that we do not know how many children are actually being abused. Most cases of child sexual abuse do not come to the attention of authorities, so reported and confirmed cases only depict a fraction of actual cases. Fear, shame, denial, and memory repression lead to underreporting.

Let’s save our children. Our efforts to break the silence can make a difference.
The Family Hope Network is a non-governmental organisation whose aim is to help end the cycle of Domestic Violence in all its forms in Anguilla through a multi-disciplinary partnership.

If you need help or are interested in working with the Family Hope Network call 497-2317, 235-6551 or 497-3845.

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