08/10/2025
🚨 Sexual Assault & Abuse: Breaking the Silence
Sexual abuse is never the victim’s fault — not in childhood, not in adulthood, never.
Yet too many suffer in silence because of shame, fear, or disbelief from others.
📊 The reality:
• 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys experience sexual abuse before the age of 18.
• In 90% of cases, the child knows the abuser — often a family member, neighbor, or trusted adult.
• Only 12% of child sexual abuse cases are ever reported to the authorities.
• Survivors of childhood sexual abuse are 3x more likely to experience depression and PTSD in adulthood.
Common signs in children may include:
• Sudden changes in behavior or mood
• Avoiding certain people or places
• Trouble sleeping or nightmares
• Age-inappropriate sexual knowledge or behaviors
For adults, long-term effects can include:
• PTSD, anxiety, or depression
• Trouble with trust or intimacy
• Feelings of shame or self-blame
• Avoidance of reminders or triggers
If someone confides in you:
• Believe them
• Thank them for trusting you
• Assure them it’s not their fault
• Help them find support and safety
At Ayonna’s Safe Haven, we provide resources, emotional support, and a safe place to begin healing.
Your voice matters. Your story matters. You matter. 💛
📞 314-850-9643
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.ayonnassafehaven.org
About Ayonna's Safe HavenAt Ayonna's Safe Haven, we recognize the significant impact that trauma and displacement have on the lives of young individuals. Our committed team is devoted to establishing a secure and supportive environment for at-risk youth and children. We engage collaboratively with f...
