What Can We Do to Stop Childhood Sexual Abuse?

According to rainn.org, every 9 minutes Child Protective Services confirms another instance of childhood sexual abuse. What can we do to stop the pernicious spread of abuse? Patricia Eagle joins me to share her story and ways that you can be the voice for children everywhere. 

Patricia was sexually abused by her father from the time she was 4 until she was 14. She tried to tell her mother, but she grew up in a time when the victims of sexual abuse were unlikely to be believed. Instead of receiving help, she was slapped down and told she was a liar. 

She has spent her entire life healing, growing, and learning to love herself again. It wasn’t until recent years however, that she wanted to tell her story on a broader stage. She wrote her book to tell her story but to also bring light to the things that we should all be on the lookout for with our children and the young ones in our lives. 

So, what can you do to stop childhood sexual abuse? Bring greater awareness to the issue. Voice your concerns when things seem off with the children in your life. Be aware of how the perpetrators of sexual abuse act. Don’t let the conversation stop. 

We can end childhood sexual abuse but only if we keep talking about it.

Show Notes:

• [01:55] Learn more about the statistics behind sexual assault in America.
• [03:04] Welcome Patricia Eagle to the show to share her story and her experience. 
• [04:50] How did Patricia get to a place where she could open up about her story? 
• [07:26] Who did she first talk to about the things that happened to her? 
• [10:56] Patricia shares how we can move past the stigma around mental health. 
• [15:15] What is a healthy way for family members to help victims? 
• [18:32] The landscape of help and support has changed significantly. 
• [20:39] It’s important to remember that you have to learn to trust and listen to yourself. 
• [23:59] You can’t take care of others unless you take care of yourself.
• [25:48] Patricia shares how you can move forward with empathy and hope. 
• [28:00] Connect with Patricia.

Links and Resources:

• RAINN
• Patricia’s Website
• Being Mean by Patricia Eagle
• Patricia on Facebook
• Patricia on Instagram
• Patricia on LinkedIn