YOUNG SURVIVORS SHOULDN'T WAIT TO TAKE ACTION

Often, young survivors of abuse struggle the hardest with making a decision to proactively begin the healing process.  Whether because of fear that their friends and family may view them differently, or the hopeful thought that if the abuse is out of sight and out of mind they will not be affected by it; young survivors tend to be reluctant to seek help.

This is unfortunate because in many instances, young survivors may be the ones with the most to gain by confronting their past victimization.  Unlike older abuse survivors who may have lived through years or decades of painful hardships caused by the abuse, a young survivor has the opportunity to seek help and begin the healing process before many damages caused by the abuse have a chance to surface.  A young survivor can avoid or minimize years of struggles with the after-affects of abuse by proactively seeking help.

Whether a survivor confronts their past abuse by treating with a psychologist or psychiatrist, pursuing legal action against those responsible for the abuse, or all of the above, it is important not to wait to begin the healing process.  The earlier someone begins to address the damage caused by the abuse, the earlier they can begin making strides to correct that damage and prevent later complications from arising. 

Another reason to take action quickly is to allow the legal system, both criminal and civil, to move in a timely way to protect others from potential abuse.  There are very strict and usually short statutes of limitation that may prevent law enforcement from doing its job, or may forever bar a survivor from obtaining money damages from a perpetrator or responsible employer. 

If you are a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, no matter your age, get help.  Find someone you can confide in.  Consult a doctor.  Make an appointment with a psychologist.  Contact an experienced lawyer.  No matter what you do, don't wait.  The sooner you take action, the sooner you can begin to heal.