PCCAPC envisions a world in which all children are valued, nurtured, safe and have the resources and opportunities to achieve their full potential. To this end, the council is dedicated to the prevention of child abuse in all its forms and the promotion of the well-being of children and families in Pima County, Arizona.
Myth: Children are most likely to be sexually abused by a stranger
FACT: Four out of five cases of child sexual abuse occur by someone known to the child. Statistically, 80% to 85% of the child sexual abuse in the United States is perpetrated by a familiar individual to the victim. The perpetrator is often related to the child. Less than 20% of abusers are strangers.
Myth: Sex abusers are dirty old men
FACT: A sex abuser's average age is 32. Any individual - male or female - can be a sexual abuser.
Myth: Sex abuse only happens in poor, uneducated socioeconomic groups
FACT: Sexual abuse cuts across all boundaries - socioeconomic status, race, geographic area, gender, and educational level - equally.
Myth: All offenders are male all victims are female
FACT: While the majority of offenders are male, female offenders are not rare. The majority of reported victims are female, but evidence shows increasing reports of male victims. Girls and boys are both seriously at risk for incest and sexual abuse.
Myth: Occurrences of sexual abuse and incest are rare in the United States FACT: Incest is more common than most people dare to believe. Clinicians and researchers estimate that one million or more children under the age of 18 are currently involved in incestuous relationships. A national study in 1986 indicated that 35% of all children under age 18 had been sexually abused.
Myth: A discussion of sexual abuse will Just frighten children
FACT: It is important for children to receive information about sexual assault for their own protection. Inaccurate or no information is more damaging to children.
Myth: Family sexual abuse is an isolated one-time incident
FACT: For most victims, the abuse continues for years. In most cases, the offender will not stop until there is an intervention.
Myth: Sexual abuse victims are ''damaged goods' and their lives are ruined forever
FACT: While sexual abuse is incredibly damaging, victims are not "damaged goods." Healing is easiest when the intervention is immediate and appropriate therapy is provided. For adults who have repressed memories, the recovery process can be lengthy. However, all victims of abuse can become fully functioning, healthy children and adults. There is great hope for us all in facing and healing sexual abuse.
to join us in our efforts to create a change by preventing child abuse in Pima County. PCCAPC is a progressive non profit organization. We will meet on Tuesday January 19. We will then meet on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. All meetings start at 5 pm and last one hour. The meeting place is the Quincie Douglas Library located at 1585 E 36th St. We look forward to seeing you.
ONE hour of your time ONE time a month can save HUNDREDS of lives and spare numerous more from the pain of child abuse.
"IT TAKES A WHOLE PUEBLO TO PROTECT OUR CHILDREN"
Join us for 2010. Please register for the PCCAPC November 5th conference: Childhood Sexual Abuse/Assault. See registration information for details.
WE THANK THE FOLLOWING BUSINESSES FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF OUR BABY BOTTLE PROGRAM
AND ASK YOU TO PATRONIZE THEM FOR HELPING TO PREVENT CHILD ABUSE.
