Dennis O’Brien recently wrote about teenage sexual assault victims and their need for parental support. I include an excerpt:
Teens are victims of sexual assault more frequently than many adults realize, said Dawn Jonas, a therapist at Bridgeway Counseling Services who deals exclusively with survivors of rape, incest and other types of sexual abuse.
Bridgeway serves individuals who experience domestic violence, sexual assault or addictive disorders.
According to the recent National Crime Victimization Survey from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, one in six American women is sexually assaulted in her lifetime; 10 percent of sexual assault victims are men; 44 percent of rape victims are younger than 18; only 36 percent of sexual assaults get reported; girls ages 16 to 19 are four times more likely to be sexually assaulted; and 15 percent to 20 percent of teen pregnancies occur as a result of rape.
Dennis O’Brien goes on to point out that some parents “blame the victim,” especially when the teenager partook in alcohol, drugs, or other riskier behavior.
Remember to give young victims the emotional support they need. Resist the temptation to use them as a scapegoat for your anger.
What do you think?
