So grateful to everyone who participated in the anonymous on-line survey Hopeful Hearts Ministry put out in an effort to see if the National Statistics of 1 in 3 person’s will have been abused at some point in their life. We sent the survey out to our Hopeful Hearts Ministry newsletter mailing list and gave it to participants at Stephen F. Austin’s Faith & Trauma Conference and at University of Dallas’s Ministry fair. We believe the statistics don’t lie, and here is our own proof:
2016 Survey Statistics Summary
170 responses were collected.
86% were female
14% male
62% of the 170 responders have experienced some form[s] of abuse in their life: Mental, Sexual, Emotional or Physical.
Of the 62% who suffered abuse, most suffered multiple forms of abuse
[Note: Any form of sexual or physical abuse typically begins with some form of mental or emotional abuse. Also, most who have suffered one form of abuse tend to find themselves easy pray for other continued abusive situations in their life…until they can learn to THRIVE and detach from the shame and guilt of the abuse done to them.]
58% suffered mental abuse
49% suffered emotional abuse
55% suffered sexual abuse
35% suffered physical abuse
[Note: As seen in these statistics physical abuse is not the primary form of abuse, however, when the public focus’ on Domestic Abuse they tend to assume it is physical. Most domestic abuse begins with mental and/or emotional abuse. Ie: Tearing down of one’s character and dignity, impairing one’s sense of self-worth, including constant criticism, threats, and rejection.]
The age range of those that were abused when the abuse happened (again, for many it was multiple years/decades of various abuse):
0-7 years old – 48%
8-13 years old – 52%
13-18 years old – 43%
20+ years old – 46%
The majority suffered abuse by the hands of a family member:
Family Member – 80%
Friend – 28%
Acquaintance – 22%
Stranger – 10%
Of the family member’s most mentioned:
Mother – 30%
Father – 36%
Uncle/ Cousin – 21%
Brother – 18%
Grandfather – 11%
48% of those who had been abused NEVER SPOKE OF THE ABUSE until 10+ years after the abuse.
8% have still NEVER TOLD ANYONE of the abuse.
66% of those who had been abused never took any form of action against those how harmed them.
Hopeful Hearts Ministry continues to be dedicated to helping survivors to find their VOICE and to THRIVE! Healing is a life-long journey and with support and encouragement the journey can turn from dreaded to joyous.
Blessings
Shannon
[For those that are aware of my medical issues I will have a particular test done on December 20th that will hopefully give some answers that I can share…I’m sorry there isn’t more I can really give at this time. But I do appreciate the prayers!!]
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