“All the flowers of all the tomorrows are in the seeds of today.” - Proverb

Many victims suffer in silence, but statistics indicate that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be the victim of sexual abuse by their eighteenth birthday. Silence leads the victim to withdraw from any support systems they may have in place, and the consequences can be devastating.

 Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is widely regarded as a cause of mental health problems in adult life.  Long-term effects of CSA include depression, anxiety, suicidality, re-victimization, substance abuse and other addictions, low self- esteem, and difficulties with interpersonal relationships.  Girls who are sexually abused are more likely to suffer physical violence and sexual re-victimization, engage in self-harming behavior, and be a victim of intimate partner violence later in life.  Survivors often experience guilt, shame, and self-blame.  CSA is traumatizing and can result in symptoms comparable to symptoms from war-related trauma.

 Parental stress is an important risk factor for child maltreatment (CM).  Substance abuse, depression, and other mental illnesses increase the risk for CM and other adverse child outcomes.  Healthy development depends on the quality and reliability of young children’s relationships with the important people in their lives.  Nurturing, responsive and individualized interactions build healthy brain architecture that provides a strong foundation for future learning, behavior and health.  Safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments requires the efforts of many.  Helping adults heal from CSA can break the cycle that contributes to child maltreatment.

 Because sexual abuse and sexual assault occur in relative secrecy, reconnecting and rebuilding trust are often at the core of healing from sexual trauma.  Peer‐support groups offer the opportunity to heal through validation and encouragement from others who struggle with similar emotional repercussions of abuse, as well as learn ways to cope with these emotions while moving forward.  The group can serve as an important avenue through which survivors of sexual abuse can reduce isolation, rebuild trust, and gain emotional support.  There is clear evidence that trauma changes the brain, but that the brain—with love and support—can heal.  In turn, survivors may improve well-being that leads to better future outcomes, personal and generational.

The goal for child maltreatment prevention is clear—to stop child abuse and neglect from happening in the first place. Child abuse is a complex problem rooted in unhealthy relationships and environments. Safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments for all children and families can prevent child abuse. Agencies partnering together can make an impact in our community by helping those heal from adverse childhood experiences and become healthier adults, parents, and citizens.

* Prevent Child Abuse Habersham Goal: to prevent child abuse in all forms * Hope & Healing Habersham Goal: to provide a safe, supportive place for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse to break their silence and discover a path to healing * Circle of Hope Goal: to provide support and crisis intervention services for victims and their dependent children while assisting with developing and implementing plans for their safety and independence * Freedom Hill Goal: to provide education, support, and guidance to women struggling with addiction through a Christ-centered, residential program that fosters restoration of the mind, body, and spirit, while creating community awareness * Foothills Counseling Center Goal: to provide affordable, professional counseling services throughout northeast Georgia

* Adverse Childhood Experiences Study. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Division of Violence Prevention. Retrieved from * Essentials for Childhood Framework: Steps to Create Safe, Stable, and Nurturing Relationships and Environments for all Children. Retrieved from * Hall, M., & Hall, J. (2011). The long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse: Counseling implications. Retrieved from * Springer, K. W., Sheridan, J., Kuo, D., & Carnes, M. (2003). The Long-term Health Outcomes of Childhood Abuse: An Overview and a Call to Action.Journal of General Internal Medicine, 18(10), 864–870. doi: /j x * Wu, N. S., Schairer, L. C., Dellor, E., & Grella, C. (2010). Childhood trauma and health outcomes in adults with comorbid substance abuse and mental health disorders. Addictive Behaviors, 35(1), 68–71. doi: /j.addbeh