I’ve just come home from a SAFEchild board meeting. I am moved every time I leave the company of my fellow board members. It is so encouraging to know people who toil to make our community a better place. I’m humbled to be a part of it, really. SAFEchild is Wake County’s only organization dedicated to eliminating child abuse.
Child abuse is not cocktail party conversation. No one wants to talk about unsavory topics. Child abuse is easy to brush away while others shoulder the burden. If we cannot candidly talk about abuse, how can we possibly create a safe, nurturing environment for children and their caregivers to speak out?
Child abuse carries no stigma for the victim. We must work together to help children speak up, heal, and break the cycle. The onus is on us as a community.
And here’s the deal, pardon my hyperbole, no one is safe. I have two sons. According to the CDC, one in six boys will be sexually abused before age 18. Did you catch that? I encourage you to read more about how adverse childhood experiences affect children physically, emotionally, socially, and mentally. And yes, there are significant economic impacts as well.
Right here in Wake County SAFEchild has a 60 day backlog to serve the abused children who come to us. 80% of those kids have been sexually abused. We are not meeting the needs of our community. We need your help. SAFEchild is a remarkable organization under the stewardship of a fantastic woman whom I am proud to count among my friends. The whole team of staff, board members, and volunteers works tirelessly to help families and children heal.
In the last few hours of Giving Tuesday (and beyond), you can help heal those children. Modest or majestic, your donation matters.