KCSDV Responds to Boy Scout Files

Topeka, KS, 10/19/2012 –The recently released files from the Boy Scouts of America remind us that child sexual abuse is a widespread issue that impacts thousands of men, women, and children every day. Oftentimes, abuse occurs at an early age.

In 2011, The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, found that 79.6% of female victims are raped by age 25, and 27.8% of male victims are raped by age 10 (http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/nisvs). These crimes impact communities, workplaces and schools across the country.

These files illustrate how important it is to take victims seriously and to recognize how difficult it can be to come forward. Many times, perpetrators will groom their victims, making victims feel responsible for the situation and afraid to tell. It is critical to believe and support victims that disclose, and to hold perpetrators accountable for their crimes.

We must send a strong message to communities and survivors of sexual abuse everywhere: You are not alone. You will be believed and supported.  And everyone’s voice matters.