We’ve come along way since the 50’s and 60’s, where the words “sexual abuse” and “molestation” were unheard of. Or have we?

photo credit: nicholas kristof

It’s still a taboo subject? Do we talk about it? Should we write about? Is it really that big of a problem?
Yes to all of the above.

Sexual abuse must be talked about. 

I couldn’t be more proud of Dylan Farrow, who courageously spoke out on her own sexual abuse from her father. The fact that she’s been given a platform to speak the truth about her devastating past tells me we’re making progress in realizing just how big of a problem sexual abuse is.
Farrow says in her recent interview with the New York Times,

For as long as I could remember, my father had been doing things to me that I didn’t like.

Oh.. Did I mention her dad was a famous, well-respected celebrity who was never charged with the humiliating theft of his daughter’s innocence?

What if more people talked about sexual abuse? 

I’m not saying everyone has to give details. Not everyone has to oust their perpetrator. I respect those who do and don’t. But we need to remember the problem is real. It’s happening whether we talk about it or not.
Farrow was accused of lying by many close to her. But her father? The man who took her into a closet and sexually molested her? He was praised, and still is, at awards shows, in magazines, and more. He still walks around “innocently”, but his daughter can’t get her innonence back.

But even when our innocence is stolen, Jesus can restore. 

He promises to wash us white as snow. He will comfort the broken hearted. He will set the captives free. Instead of the ashes left by those who burned us, He will give us a crown of beauty. He will rebuild the ancient ruins stolen by the darkened souls that laid hands on us.

You don’t have to live marked by sexual abuse.

These are the words from Mary DeMuth in her new book, Not Marked. You may know Mary as a speaker and author. But she’s also a survivor of sexual abuse. Not only is she a survivor. She’s a conquerer!
And because sexual abuse needs to be talked about, Mary has done just that – writing a controversial book a traditional publisher wouldn’t even have the courage to take on.
Why? Because it’s controversial. It’s uncomfortable.

It’s necessary!

I admire Dylan Farrow for the tenacity to be honest about her victimization. And I pray she trades her ashes in for a crown of beauty. I pray she allows the ancient ruins to be built.
If you are a victim of sexual abuse, I pray the same for you.