"I am being raped every day. Can you help me?"
If you're like most normal human beings, you'd move mountains to help the child who came to you with this question. Intuitively you'd know: I don't have to be a doctor, therapist or social worker to help here. I can spend five minutes on Google and find a local agency to help.
You'd make the call and feel really good about what you did.
You know what the problem here is? Most kids who are the victims of sexual violence are either afraid to ask for help or don't know who to ask. Can you imagine being trapped in this vicious prison?
Elaine Carole knows.
ABC Action News team member Linda Hurtado tells Elaine's story in this segment from ABC Action News' recent prime time special Taking Action Against Domestic Violence.
So, if kids are not asking for help, how can we help them? Watch the ABC Action News story (linked to above) and check out the resources and links on this ABC Action News' Web page.
With a little education and information we can learn to recognize signs of abuse and make it easier for a child to reach out for help.
From the Florida Department of Children & Families here is the statewide number to call for help: 1-800-500-1119
For more on Elaine Carole and her book Stolen Innocence visit her Web site here.
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