We need to talk
So I guess I didn't scare you off, huh? Good! Welcome back!
I have something I want to share with you. Its a very personal video blog post about a very important subject: childhood sexual abuse.
Sexual abuse is not something I talk about a lot but I do talk about it openly when the subject arises. Thanks to the 12 for 12k Challenge, I have a reason to talk about it and a way that you can help.
Did you know that in the U.S. childhood sexual abuse affects 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 6 boys by the time they’re 18? Did you know that the effects of childhood sexual abuse include mental illness, teen pregnancy, drug abuse, suicide, homelessness, and crime? Did you know that we’re spending billions of dollars to treat these effects?
There’s an organization called “Stop Child Sexual Abuse” that has launched a campaign called “Stop the Silence” which is aimed at preventing sexual abuse and providing treatment for survivors. Here’s how they describe their mission:
The Mission of Stop the Silence is to expose and stop CSA and help survivors heal worldwide. Our overarching Goals are to:
1) to promote healing of victims and survivors; and
2) to celebrate the lives of those healed.
Through our work, we aim to address the relationships between CSA and the broader issues of overall family and community violence, and violence within and between communities. Our focus underlines the importance of a shift in focus on positive development within our social complexes (e.g., the relationships between men, women, adults and children, cultural groups) to support peaceful – and to hinder violence-prone – relationships.
So what can you do? Watch this video. Then visit the 12 for 12k Challenge website and do your part.
UPDATE: I’ve added the ChipIn widget from the 12for12k.org site so that a) you can just go straight to the donation page after you’re finished reading/watching this post and b) so anyone who reads this post can see how much has been donated so far. There’s a “copy” button on the widget if you’d like to do the same.
After you’ve done that, I want you to email me at thatcrazymom@gmail.com, attach a copy of your receipt showing your donation, and I’ll provide you with a free custom Twitter background. I wish I could afford to match your donations but I hope you don’t mind settling for a freebie and my undying appreciation.
Thanks for listening. Now here’s the video…oh, wait, one more thing… I want to apologize for the wobbly video. I was sitting on my bed and Princess kept coming in then climbing up and down, up and down…. And I apologize for looking like a total dork too. I’m not one of those women that can cry and still look cute.
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=9f3eef97-b122-4d1a-892d-cc64605c4a21)
Tags: causes, charity, Sexual abuse
18 Responses to “We need to talk”
Trackbacks
- Strawberry fields forever | That Crazy Mom
- The 12for12k Raffle | 12for12k Challenge - social media for good
February 4th, 2009 at 9:59 pm
April,
Let me just say that you advanced a lightyear in your own healing by doing this.
You don’t see it now, but this post will have a huge effect on thousands of survivors of sexual abuse. It clearly stops the silence, which is worth much more than $12,000,000. Big time courage!
John
John Haydons last blog post..Social Media ROI: An with interview with Stacey Monk of EpicChange.Org
February 4th, 2009 at 10:14 pm
April, whatever I say can never come close enough to showing how much I respect you for this post and video. I was shaken just watching it and you are one of the bravest people I know.
John’s right – we may or may not raise our target of $12,000 but whatever we raise is due to the courage of you and others that speak up.
Thank you from the heart.
Danny Browns last blog post..But I’m Not a Shepherd
February 4th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
Hi April ~ Thank you so much for your awesome video! You will help so many people through your courage and your honesty … Thanks for being so selfless.
I would love to take you up on your offer for a Twitter background (I don’t have a creative bone in my body LOL) … so let me know exactly what you need from me. *huGs* Suzanne
Suzanne Francos last blog post..Facebook Twitter Status Update Client – Add Your Tweets to FaceBook
February 4th, 2009 at 10:55 pm
You are an incredibly strong woman. Your video is more effective than any words I could ever right. You rock. Hugs to you.
The Daily Blondes last blog post..Stop The Silence
February 4th, 2009 at 11:42 pm
April,
You did a great thing with this video. In my mind, you moved from being a brave woman to a WORLD CHAMPION for standing up for what’s right.
I’m a big supporter of 12for12k and Mr. Brown and was moved to double this month’s donation (plus an extra fiver!). I hope others are compelled to do the same – as we can all survive on two caffeine-free weeks this month.
More power to you and thank you again. You are a CHAMPION.
Cheers, Iggy
Iggy Pintados last blog post..iggypintado: @12for12k I was 1 of 10 ppl that donated $5 to 12for12k Feb. charity, so anon. benefactor will donate $400 http://tinyurl.com/crmra2 Pls RT
February 5th, 2009 at 1:02 am
John & Danny, thanks for bringing this to my attention so that I could do my part to contribute.
Suzanne and Cheryl, thanks for the support & encouragement.
Iggy, you’re awesome! Thanks for doubling your donation this month!
February 5th, 2009 at 6:03 am
Pamela Pine, here. I am the Founder and CEO of Stop the Silence. Thank you all so much! And, to everyone who reads this and to everyone who contributes, thank you!!
I want to extend an invitation and put forward a little request: I want to invite you to the sixth annual awareness raising event, the Run and Rally to Stop the Silence in on Apirl 19, 2009 in West Potomac Park, Washington, D.C. It is a run and it is a walk, but it is far more than that. We have inspirational speakers, we have informational booths, we have the Guardians of Children (GOC) bikers and Bikers Against Chiled Abuse (BACA) of Gettysburg coming to help really Stop the Silence, games and toys for kids, bands, food and more. Register to walk. Register to run. Register for the rally — but register. Register even if you can’t come (it’s only $20 bucks) — there is strength in numbers and we’re trying to tell policymakers and the public that we intend to Stop the Silence together: http://www.stopcsa.org/Race. Join us in whatever way you can!! Thank you!
February 5th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
Your bravery in posting this is astounding. Thank you for being the voice of many (me as well.) and bringing to light how others can help.
February 6th, 2009 at 9:48 am
Thank you.
February 6th, 2009 at 11:32 am
Hi April,
You are a very strong woman and I am amazed by your willingness to get your story, your healing and passion for this charity out there. It is wonderful to be participating in 12 for 12 with you. Thank you for giving me the rare personal connection to a subject that I am more than willing to contribute to. You are an impressive woman and a true survivor!
March 1st, 2009 at 9:17 pm
Hi April, thank you for being so strong – our collective voices will make a difference.
I am honoured to be associated with such a great cause and I hope to be able to help in whatever way I can.
March 3rd, 2009 at 3:24 pm
April,
You are truly beautiful and amazing. I, too, am a supporter of http://www.12for12k.org and I have a deep place in my soul for Stop the Silence.
Thank you for your courage in shining such a light on the dark road so many of us travel. You are not only a survivor but a hero as well.
TeresaWrites4U
Teresa Halls last blog post..Upgrading a Word Press Blog Can Be a Little Tricky, Can’t It?
June 21st, 2009 at 2:43 pm
hi i really need these types of articles .. i am student and i am searching these types of article on women (child)sexual abuse ..
and i must tell you its really helpful for me ..
I am obsessive and protective of this aspect of her upbringing, because I was never taught that I belonged anywhere, that anything I did really mattered, and here I remain, somewhat adrift, up some kind of creek with no paddle
–
rockymeet
–
Sept 1–Sept 1
July 4th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
hi,
this is nice and bravery step i m so inspiring. i am one of fan in your fan list. i see your video i m dam shocked
thanks for everything
–
namishasingh
–
SEO–SEO
July 4th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
hi,
really i am very impress with your work. childhood sexual is not only problem of U.S ,this problem also affect the whole world. keep doing your good work. my best wishes with you.
–
pujaverma
–
SEO–SEO
October 28th, 2009 at 5:36 pm
April – wanted to let you know I finally had a clear time (in my brain, ha) to watch this. YOU ROCK. Thanks so much for speaking out.