**Disclaimer: this is not an article to gain support for my business!!! This article strictly aims to bring attention to Defend Innocence.**
I am a presenter for a cosmetic company called Younique, and each month we offer a Customer Kudos. This month ALL of the proceeds from the Kudos bundle go to an incredible organization called Defend Innocence, whose mission is not to simply end child abuse (hence, "fight for 0"), but to also empower caregivers and parents to protect our children. I had never heard about Defend Innocence until Younique revealed August's customer special, and I think it's important for us all to be aware of the facts surrounding child abuse. While they are disturbing and the conversation can be emotional or uncomfortable, we need to imagine the discomfort and emotional toll that our children endure when the people closest to them choose to take advantage. This is bigger than us, as adults, feeling awkward. There is no excuse for abuse.
Let me hit you with some unfortunately startling facts:
1. 1 in 5 (20%) of children will be sexually abused before they are 18.
2. Children know their abuser in 90% of cases.
3. Children with disabilities are three times more likely to be victims of sexual abuse.
4. Survivors often do not disclose their abuse until adulthood.
Pretty awful, huh? You may be thinking "well I don't know anyone who was abused as a child" or "these figures are over-exaggerated". The truth is though, these statistics are LOWER than the actual prevalence of childhood sexual abuse. How? Because these numbers come from reported cases. The number of unreported cases is unaccounted for, which means there are more children trapped in the shadows, voiceless, and suffering. Defend Innocence importantly shines light on these individuals and offers resources to caregivers. There is so much we can do as adults to prevent child abuse from occurring. It's a fight we must be willing to undergo.
If you're reading this, I strongly urge you to look at how you can help children and defend them from the monsters of the world. Like Defend Innocence affirms, a small act creates ripples. Let your action be the difference in a child's life. More information can be found on the Defend Innocence website: https://defendinnocence.org/
