Lauren’s Kids was founded in 2007 with the mission to help survivors of child sexual abuse heal through guidance and support and to prevent abuse through education and awareness. Unfortunately, one in three girls and one in five boys will become a victim of child sexual abuse before their 18th birthday. By implementing child sexual abuse prevention programs and in-school personal safety curricula in New York, Lauren’s Kids can help put an end to this epidemic. Each and every child has a right to a childhood, and we encourage you to join us in our fight to stop child sexual abuse in New York.
The facts are sobering; 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 5 boys are sexually abused before the age of 18, and most sexual abuse happens to children between the ages of 7 and 13. Child sexual abuse affects children of every race, gender, religion, and socio-economic status, and 90% of the time, the abuse is committed at the hands of someone a child and their caregivers knows, loves, and trusts. Many believe that child sexual abuse will not affect them or their family, but the astonishing statistics prove that sometimes these situations occur far too close to home. The FBI estimates that there is a sex offender living in every square mile of the United States. By lending your support to our organization, you are helping to make child sexual abuse prevention in New York a reality. Today New York, tomorrow the world.
By educating New Yorkers about the issue of child sexual abuse, prevention tactics and how to spot child predators, we are able to empower communities to become safer for children. Our child sexual abuse prevention programs in New York help adults and children alike learn how to recognize the signs of child sexual abuse and how to access help. Ninety-five percent of child sexual abuse can be prevented through education and awareness, which is why we are dedicated to educating children, parents, teachers and community members. Our Safer, Smarter Kids program is designed to help children of all ages, from Pre-K through grade 12, develop the skills they need to stay safe. This curriculum ensures that children receive proper abuse prevention education at an age appropriate level.
In addition to helping stop child sexual abuse throughout New York, we also provide support for victims of child sexual abuse so they may heal as survivors and grow into strong men and women. Though the mental, physical and emotional scars caused by child sexual abuse can stay with a survivor throughout a lifetime, healing is possible with the help of trained trauma and sexual assault counselors and the support of family and friends. Survivors of child sexual abuse can advocate for prevention by sharing their stories and raising awareness to educate others and empower fellow survivors to shed the shame and begin their own healing journey.
If you are interested in learning more about how you can help stop child sexual abuse, we encourage you to get involved with Lauren’s Kids and our efforts in the New York area. It is important to report suspected child abuse; please call 911 if you are in a crisis situation, or call the New York Protective Services to report the abuse. You can also contact Lauren’s Kids and we can help you find the help and support that you need. Call us at (646) 759-1464. Whether you need help to report or heal from abuse, you want to learn more about our Safer, Smarter Kids abuse prevention curriculum or you are looking to become involved in the fight to protect childhood, please do not hesitate to reach out.