One in nine girls and one in twenty boys are sexually abused before the age of eighteen.
Sexual abuse refers to any form of unwanted or non-consensual sexual activity or behavior. It involves one person using force, manipulation, threats, or coercion to make another person engage in sexual acts against their will. Sexual abuse can take many forms, including:
Physical contact: Such as unwanted touching, groping, or sexual intercourse.
Non-physical abuse: Like verbal harassment, coercion, or exposing someone to inappropriate content.
Exploitation: Forcing someone to perform sexual acts in exchange for money, favors, or other resources.
Child sexual abuse: Any sexual act involving a minor, whether or not physical contact occurs and regardless of whether consent was obtained. Child pornography and exposing a child to sexual behavior and body parts are considered sexual abuse.
Childhood sexual abuse can happen to a child in any community, regardless of gender, race, age, religion, or socioeconomic background. The majority of perpetrators are someone the child or family knows. As many as 93% of victims under the age of 18 know the abuser. A perpetrator usually has a trusting relationship with the child, including an older sibling or playmate, family member, a teacher, a coach or instructor, a caretaker, or the parent of another child.
Childhood sexual abuse can have a wide range of ongoing effects lasting into adulthood. Some adult survivors experience few mental health problems, while others experience adverse, long-term effects, such as higher levels of depression, guilt, shame, self-blame, eating disorders, anxiety, dissociative patterns, repression, denial, sexual problems, and relationship problems. Every survivor’s story and path to healing is different.
No victim should suffer in silence. We believe in listening to people, respecting their decisions and providing information, counseling, advocacy and referral to appropriate resources. Our immediate priorities are safety and empowerment of victims and loved ones. All services are confidential and free, although there are limitations on confidentiality regarding sexual abuse of a child.
Regardless of whether someone identifies or discloses child sexual abuse that is currently happening, or a survivor comes forward with a disclosure of harm that occurred many years ago, CHANA is here to educate, support and advocate on behalf of victims and survivors of sexual abuse.
Justice and healing for survivors. CHANA seeks justice, healing and safety for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. CHANA provides information and support to those who have experienced sexual abuse and their support systems, enabling victims to make informed decisions while navigating the court system. CHANA maintains strong relationships with government agencies, including police, prosecutors and child protective services, to maximize our ability to advocate on clients’ behalf.
Begin to heal and rebuild lives. CHANA’s trauma-informed advocates help clients understand the dynamics of childhood sexual abuse and discuss the vast array of feelings associated with it. CHANA’s trauma-informed mental health professionals listen and offer helpful tools and skills on ways to manage the difficult emotions, heal from trauma, connect to community resources and move forward with life. All services are confidential and free, with exceptions for disclosure of childhood sexual abuse.
Gain sense of empowerment and hope. In a safe, nurturing environment, support groups allow participants to learn about the dynamics of childhood sexual abuse, talk through their experiences, and hear stories from others who have experienced abuse in childhood. Group counseling also provides victims with ample support, not only from peers (other victims) but also from the mental health professional leading the group. Support groups help to ensure that no survivor is forced to navigate their journey on their own and reduces feelings of shame and isolation.
CHANA’s groups are led by trauma-informed professionals. CHANA provides a range of support groups throughout the year.
At CHANA, the role of consultation takes many forms. CHANA is a community resource and works with concerned community members and community organizations to address concerns of child sexual abuse within their establishments.
CHANA provides services and therapy that meet the many cultural and religious needs of clients. Many members of the local clergy are comfortable calling CHANA to collaborate on handling a sensitive situation within their congregation. We have developed positive working relationships with local schools, camps and community organizations to work together on projects, develop protocols and create a sensitive and intentional plan of action when facing concerns of abuse.
We are dedicated to helping people who have experienced domestic violence, teen dating violence, sexual abuse and elder abuse find safety and healing. CHANA provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals and families, while educating communities as part of the movement to end teen dating violence and abuse.
At CHANA, we stand with you.
– Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi
In Jewish text, there are numerous examples of sexual assault, including rape, as well as childhood sexual trauma. These narratives highlight the reality that sexual violence has existed throughout history, sometimes paralleling cases we see in society today.
The Talmud teaches that anyone who has the ability to correct a situation and is derelict in doing so bears the responsibility for the results. If abuse is not acknowledged, it is tolerated. Standing by while a sin occurs is violation of Jewish law. Abuse happens in our neighborhoods. We cannot stand by.
Here are some Jewish insights into the issue of sexual trauma:
Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Baltimore Child Abuse Center
410-396-6147
Baltimore City Child Protective Services
410-361-2235
Baltimore County Child Protective Services
410-887-8463
Jewish Women International
202-857-1300
Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault
301-565-2277
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
800-273-8255
Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Program at GBMC
443-849-3323
