Giving a Voice to Victims

As the sexual abuse scandal involving Penn State officials unfolds before our eyes, we are left dealing with the stark reality that sexual abuse victims continue to be vulnerable in a society that promotes secrecy.  We at Clifford Beers Clinic (The Clinic) know too well the stories of children sexually abused by people they love and admire and who are role models in the community.  Seventy percent (70%) of the children we see at the Clinic have been exposed to some kind of traumatic childhood experience.  Twenty five percent (25%) of our population has been sexually abused. 

At the Clinic, seven out of ten children reports having experienced at least one traumatic event such as sexual abuse in their lives. The average number of traumas reported is 3. This is striking, given the average age of a child served at Clifford Beers is only 10. When asked about their experiences, the top three most reported traumas are: loss, such as death or abandonment; emotional abuse; and neglect.

National averages for sexual abuse (and we know these numbers are under reported) one out of four girls and one out of five boys are sexually abused. The effects of sexual abuse, like any trauma, can have lifelong consequences and we know with treatment and support, a child can be free from symptoms related to the abuse. 

Ignoring traumatic experiences like sexual abuse can have lifelong physical and behavioral health consequences.  The effects of untreated traumatic exposure can result in heart disease, diabetes, obesity, lifelong mental health difficulties, incarceration, violence and early death. Traumatic stress can cause disruptions in children’s behavior, school performance, and social connectedness. 

United Way’s School Age Youth grant has helped us serve 1,200 children this past year.  Often times parents report that their child is exhibiting problematic behaviors that are affecting school performance and relationships.  We have found there are usually underlying issues (i.e. traumatic experiences) manifesting these behaviors.  When we deal with those underlying issues, many of the problematic behaviors improve.  For instance, 67% of the children we serve reported an improvement in peer relationships and 72% reported an improvement in family relationships.  Fifty-two percent (52%) reported no longer refusing to do things teachers ask and 28% report they are doing better in school. Almost half of the children (45%) report a reduction in “fits of anger”, “yelling”, “swearing or screaming at others”.

Many of these changes take place within the first 3 – 6 months in treatment.  Research states that without some type of intervention, the effects can last a lifetime.  Our goal is to ensure that every child has a chance at a happy and healthy life and is supported by a strong family.  We are grateful to partners such as the United Way of Greater New Haven for helping us help families in this effort.

The Clifford W. Beers Guidance Clinic is a family-focused child mental health clinic; its mission is to provide accessible community-based mental health services and advocacy that promote healthy and resilient lives for children and families. Clifford Beers promotes the emotional, psychological, and physical well-being of children, adolescents, and their families impacted by the effects of sexual abuse, domestic violence, and behavioral health issues.