Finding Our Voices
Resources and Help

Colorado Springs
501(c)3 Nonprofit Organization est. 2010
We Believe
#HEALING IS POSSIBLE
Resources & Help



















-Rape Crisis Information
-Stop It Now/Gen 5 mission prevents the sexual abuse of children by mobilizing adults, families and communities to take actions that protect children before they are harmed. They have informative webcasts in addition to distributing printed materials and information on their website.
–RAINN: Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network: Anti-sexual assault organization working with local rape crisis centers across the US Also has a web-based crisis hotline providing live and anonymous.
-For the past 30 years, WINGS Foundation, Inc. has provided support services, advocacy, and education to adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse throughout Colorado. WINGS has support groups for survivors of childhood sexual abuse and incest available virtually and in person.
-AT THE BLUE BENCH, OUR MISSION IS TO ELIMINATE SEXUAL ASSAULT AND DIMINISH THE IMPACT IT HAS ON INDIVIDUALS, THEIR LOVED ONES AND OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH COMPREHENSIVE ISSUE ADVOCACY, PREVENTION AND CARE.
Our hope is to one day live in a world where sexual assault no longer exists; where there are no more victims, friends and families suffering in its wake. This is our hope. This is what inspires our efforts. And until that day comes, our work is not complete.
Inspired by the courage of one another – as survivors, activists, advocates and community leaders, The Blue Bench has helped hundreds of thousands of Denver-area women and men find the courage to move from victim to survivor.
-Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests or SNAP is the largest, oldest and most active support group for women and men wounded by religious and institutional authorities (priests, ministers, bishops, deacons, nuns, coaches, teachers, and others).
-CCASA – The Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault, works statewide to support issues that impact survivors of sexual violation. CCASA works in the capitol to support legislation for survivors, they produce literature in English and Spanish for survivors, and provide free online webinars. Email updates from CCASA are free, simply sign up online on their homepage.
-TESSA provides a 24-hour confidential safe line, counseling, legal aid, programming for children, and outreach programs and presentations in the community, as well as their Safehouse, for victims of domestic and sexual violence.
On Denim Day, which is in April, millions of people across the world will wear jeans with a purpose, support survivors, and educate themselves and others about all forms of sexual violence. Visit their website to learn more and to sign up to participate.
https://al-anon-co.org/service_centers/colorado-springs-service-center/
Al-Anon is a mutual support group of peers who share their experience in applying the Al-Anon principles to problems related to the effects of a problem drinker in their lives. It is not group therapy and is not led by a counselor or therapist; This support network complements and supports professional treatment.
Alateen is a peer support group for teens who are struggling with the effects of someone else’s problem drinking. Many Alateen groups meet at the same time and location as an Al-Anon group. Alateen meetings are open only to teenagers. Alateen is not a program for young people seeking sobriety.
No advance notification or written referral is necessary to attend an Al-Anon or Alateen meeting. Anyone affected by someone else’s drinking is welcome to attend.
Please visit their website for further information.
https://www.facebook.com/OurSistersKeeperMovement/
____________________________________________
SUICIDE PREVENTION SERVICES
Colorado Crisis Services
Call 1-844-493-TALK
or text “TALK” to 38255
IF THIS IS A LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY, PLEASE CALL 911
Suicide Prevention Connection Group • No Cost • Mondays at 7pm
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call 1-800-273-8255
Available 24 hours everyday
https://www.cdc.gov/injury/features/sexual-violence/index.html
______________________________________________
Additional Resources for Survivors:
Recommended Books and Videos
Beyond Aftershocks: Reclaiming Self After Sexual Trauma
______________________________________________
__________________________
The statistics are shocking
1 in 4 girls is sexually abused before the age of 18.
1 in 6 boys is sexually abused before the age of 18.
1 in 5 children are solicited sexually while on the Internet.
Nearly 70% of all reported sexual assaults (including assaults on adults) occur to children ages 17 and under.
An estimated 39 million survivors of childhood sexual abuse exist in America today.
Even within the walls of their own homes, children are at risk for sexual abuse
30-40% of victims are abused by a family member.
Another 50% are abused by someone outside of the family whom they know and trust.
Approximately 40% are abused by older or larger children whom they know. Therefore, only 10% are abused by strangers.
Sexual abuse can occur at all ages, probably younger than you think
The median age for reported abuse is 9 years old.
More than 20% of children are sexually abused before the age of 8.
Nearly 50% of all victims of forcible sodomy, sexual assault with an object, and forcible fondling are children under 12.
Most children don’t tell even if they have been asked
Evidence that a child has been sexually abused is not always obvious, and many children do not report that they have been abused.
Over 30% of victims never disclose the experience to ANYONE.
Young victims may not recognize their victimization as sexual abuse.
Almost 80% initially deny abuse or are tentative in disclosing. Of those who do disclose, approximately 75% disclose accidentally. Additionally, of those who do disclose, more than 20% eventually recant even though the abuse occurred.
Fabricated sexual abuse reports constitute only 1% to 4% of all reported cases. Of these reports, 75% are falsely reported by adults and 25% are reported by children. Children only fabricate 1/2% (one-half%) of the time.
Consequences
Consequences of child sexual abuse begin affecting children and families immediately. They also affect society in innumerable and negative ways. These effects can continue throughout the life of the survivor so the impact on society for just one survivor continues over multiple decades. Try to imagine the impact of 39 million survivors (in the US).
Health and/or Behavioral Problems
The way a victim’s family responds to abuse plays an important role in how the incident affects the victim.
Sexually abused children who keep it a secret or who “tell” and are not believed are at greater risk than the general population for psychological, emotional, social, and physical problems often lasting into adulthood.
Children who have been victims of sexual abuse are more likely to experience physical health problems (e.g., headaches).
Victims of child sexual abuse report more symptoms of PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), more sadness, and more school problems than non-victims.
Victims of child sexual abuse are more likely to experience major depressive disorder as adults.
Young girts who are sexually abused are more likely to develop eating disorders as adolescents.
Drug and/or Alcohol Problems
Victims of child sexual abuse report more substance abuse problems. 70-80% of sexual abuse survivors report excessive drug and alcohol use.
Young girls who are sexually abused are 3 times more likely to develop psychiatric disorders or alcohol and drug abuse in adulthood, than girls who are not abused.
Among male survivors, more than 70% seek psychological treatment for issues such as substance abuse, suicidal thoughts and attempted suicide. Males who have been sexually abused are more likely to violently victimize others.
Adolescent victims of violent crime have difficulty in the transition to adulthood, are more likely to suffer financial failure and physical injury, and are at risk to fail in other areas due to problem behaviors and outcomes of the victimization.
Teenage Pregnancy and Promiscuity
Children who have been victims of sexual abuse exhibit long-term and more frequent behavioral problems, particularly inappropriate sexual behaviors.
Women who report childhood rape are 3 times more likely to become pregnant before age 18.
An estimated 60% of teen first pregnancies are preceded by experiences of molestation, rape, or attempted rape. The average age of their offenders is 27 years.
Victims of child sexual abuse are more likely to be sexually promiscuous.
More than 75% of teenage prostitutes have been sexually abused.
Crime
Adolescents who suffer violent victimization are at risk for being victims or perpetrators of felony assault, domestic violence, and property offense as adults.
Nearly 50% of women in prison state that they were abused as children.
Most perpetrators don’t molest only one child if they are not reported and stopped
Nearly 70% of child sex offenders have between 1 and 9 victims; at least 20% have 10 to 40 victims.
An average serial child molester may have as many as 400 victims in his lifetime.
MORE INFORMATION: SILENCE is the number one enemy to preventing childhood sexual abuse.
Sexual assault continues to be the single most under-reported violent crime in the United States. (2003)
1794 rapes were reported to Colorado law enforcement in 1997.
Compared to 1998 statewide survey, these constitute 16% of sexual assaults.
US has the highest rape rate of countries that publish statistics:
4 times higher than Germany, 13 times higher than England, and 20 times higher than Japan (1992)
Girls age 16-19 are four times more likely than the general population to be victims of sexual assault.
It is MYTH that we can recognize abusers: in more than 90% of SA cases, the child and child’s family know and trust the abuser.
Pedophiles report and evidence confirms that they systematically groom not only the child, but the family as well.
For women in the U.S., rape is more common than smoking.
Colorado DOC reported 85% of incarcerated sex offenders self-reported they knew the person they victimized.
2009 Study of incarcerated DV offenders 80+% self-reported sexual coercion as part of their domestic violence.
In Colorado, 41% of sex offenders in outpatient treatment admitted they sexually re-offended while in treatment.(2000)
Secondary Responses to SA include:
Dissociation, Eating Disorders, Self-harm (cutting, burning, risky behaviors) Substance Abuse.
Age of Abuse:
1 in 3 sexual assault victims are under age 12; 43% of those are 6 and younger; 83% of male victims of sexual assault are under age 12 (Wings statistics)
Prevalence of PTSD:
Adult Americans 7.8%; Men 5%; Women 10.4%; Vietnam Vets 30.9%; Female Rape Survivors 60%

Tips For Victims & Their Loved Ones
1. Be patient with yourself-recovery takes time, effort, and lots of emotional energy.
2. Consider joining a support group. Being with other survivors can help rebuild trust.
3. Learn about the signs and symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Being aware of them can help you with getting through the tough times and bad days.
4. Meditation and relaxation exercises can help you cope with your negative feelings such as anger, stress, and anxiety associated with abuse.