Since many girls (though not all) who struggle with self injury have a history of past or even ongoing abuse, either emotional, physical, or sexual from someone in their life...I wanted to set aside a page especcially for dealing with abuse issues. Self Injury is a way for people who have been abused to cope with feelings of guilt, shame, and self hatred. If you have suffered from past abuse, let me tell you that what was done to you may have shaken up your past but your future can be anything you want it to be. What was done to you was NOT your fault! The shame and guilt you feel does not belong to you. Please, if you are someone who has been abused or are currently being abused, please talk to a trusted parent, friend, or counselor and seek out help because you are worth it and you don't have to suffer in silence. Speak don't bleed!

Abuse Hotlines:

• Childhelp USA Hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD

• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-659-HOPE

Abuse Statistics:

• There are nearly 3 million reports of child abuse made annually
• The rate of child abuse is estimated to be 3 times greater than what is reported
• An estimated 906,000 children are victims of abuse and neglect every year
• 80% of young adults who have been abused meet the diagnostic criteria for at least 1 psychiatric disorder at the age of 21
• Abused children are 25% more likely to experience teen pregnancy
• Children who have been sexually abused are 3.8 times more likely to develop drug addictions

(Statistics compiled from Childhelp USA)

Definitions of Abuse:

• Emotional Abuse: When the actions or speech of another tear apart anothers self confidence, self worth, and trust in their own perceptions and ideas.
• Physical Abuse: Involves physical violence or force that results in injury, pain or suffering of another.
• Sexual Abuse: Any type of non-consensual physically sexual contact with another.

Books on healing from Abuse:

• A Safe Place: hope and healing for teens--by Jan Morrison

• Learning to Trust Again: a young womens journey of healing from sexual abuse--by Christa Sands

• Rescued by the Cross: stepping out of your past and into God's purpose--by Ken Freeman

I hope this information was helpful to you. Past abuse is a very hard thing to talk about but it can ruin your life if you don't. There is freedom from your past, it just takes breaking the silence and alot of work to get there but you can do it! Please reach out for help, IT WASN'T YOUR FAULT AND YOU ARE WORTH IT!

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or just want to talk.

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