Names and other identifying circumstances of these stories have been changed to protect the privacy of children and families.
Erica's Story - Three-year-old Erica had been a victim of sexual abuse. During the forensic interview, Erica proceeded to hide behind the chair and behind the door. She showed signs of anxiousness and she did not want the door closed during the interview, so the door was left open to help her feel comfortable. After about 10 minutes, Erica was not able to disclose what had happened to her and was about to be taken back to her mother. Read more.
Sam's Story - A parent's attempt to control and isolate their family can result in severe dysfunction between parents and their children, as well as between siblings. Recently a ten-year-old boy, Sam, came to the Center as a result of having been sexually abused by his older brother. His mother, Julia, explained that the children's father was extremely strict. Until recently, the children were home schooled. She went on to explain that her husband would not allow them to have access to the Internet. In addition, the children were not allowed to watch television. The children were not allowed to socialize with any friends. Julia stated that they used to attend local Sunday services until the father "pulled" that away from them, too. Read more.
Tonya's Story - Waiting. Listening. Watching. These were the behaviors that nine-year-old Tonya found herself doing much of the time after the sexual abuse by a family friend. Tonya could no longer sleep easily through the night, or focus on playing or doing the things she used to enjoy. She was preoccupied with thoughts about her abuse and the worry that the perpetrator would come back to harm her. Read more.
Michael's Story - A parent's worst nightmare is to leave their child in the care of someone they think they can trust, and then learn this person has harmed their child. Such was the case for George and Marie, and their four-year-old son, Michael. George and Marie had left Michael in the care of a relative they thought they could trust. Michael had been burned over the majority of his body after being held down in the bathtub in scalding hot water. Read more.
Nationally, the statistics are shocking. One in four girls and one in six boys are sexually abused before the age of 18. It is estimated that 39 million survivors of sexual abuse exist in America today. (Source: Darkness2Light.org)
