Reports of abuse surface on an almost weekly basis across organizations and industries.

Gymnasts abused by Larry Nassar, and in the Olympic programs of at least 6 other countries, female soccer players abused by multiple youth and NWSL coaches, high school rowers abused in Maryland, bobsledders, rugby players and rowers abused in Canada, football players abused by the team doctor at the University of Michigan, US snowboarders, NHL hockey players…And those are just the stories that have made the news.

Research indicates children are most vulnerable to sexual abuse between the ages of seven and thirteen. The median age for reported abuse is nine years old. However, more than 20% of children are sexually abused before age eight. These statistics likely underreport the frequency sexual abuse, and do not take into account covert emotional abuse (grooming) and overt emotional and physical abuse.

We can prevent much of this abuse, and the devastating consequences, by teaching children to recognize all forms of abuse, and empowering them to speak up.