Nonprofit Provides Prevention Resources for Child Sexual Abuse

In light of the recent $850 million child sexual abuse settlement against the Boy Scouts of America, The Younique Foundation is reminding parents, caregivers, and community leaders to have conversations with children about child sexual abuse.

The Younique Foundation, a nonprofit with offices in Utah and Georgia, strives for the eradication of child sexual abuse and its effects. One in five children is sexually abused before age 18 in the U.S., and 80% of children are abused by someone they know and trust.

The Foundation reiterates the importance of parents, caregivers, and community leaders protecting children from sexual abuse. “Through our Defend Innocence brand, we provide community and online resources that advocate for open discussions about this topic,” says Executive Director Chris Yadon. “Because sexual abuse thrives in secrecy, talking with your children and loved ones is critical to both reducing the risk of sexual abuse and responding to abuse when it occurs.”

Yadon says a key tool to reduce the risk of sexual abuse is for parents to learn how to talk to their children about sexuality, specifically healthy sexuality. The nonprofit’s defendinnocence.org website provides free educational resources to empower others to protect children. For parents whose children may have already experienced abuse, the website offers support resources as well.

“If we are more mindful and more proactive about protecting our children, we can reduce the risk,” says Foundation President Shelaine Maxfield. “Undoubtedly, there is someone in your sphere of influence who needs what we have to offer.”

In addition to providing prevention resources, The Younique Foundation offers clinically informed services for adult females who are survivors of child sexual abuse including a four-day educational retreat, post retreat online courses, and community support groups for survivors called Finding Hope Support Groups. The Foundation currently has support groups in 10 countries offered in English, French, Spanish, and German. All services are offered at no charge.

For more information, visit The Younique Foundation at youniquefoundation.org, or its prevention brand Defend Innocence at defendinnocence.org.