Anytime a child is a victim of sex assault, it’s devastating. Many times, children feel responsible for their abuse because they can’t understand why someone who is supposed to love them would hurt them in such an inexplicable way. That abuse can change the way they view themselves and the world.
When a child with special needs is victimized those feelings are exacerbated. Offenders often look for a child with disabilities in the hopes that the child will be easier to manipulate.
That is the story of 11-year-old Carly. Carly has special needs. Carly’s uncle sexually assaulted her many times when she would spend the night at his house. Carly never told anyone, because her uncle told her it was “their secret”. When Carly’s parents found out, the police were called. Carly had a medical exam. Carly then came to Life Stories and had a forensic interview. During the interview, she slowly began disclosing the various times and acts her uncle had perpetrated on her. The uncle was arrested and eventually pled guilty.
Most people think that’s the end of the story. Though the sex assaults stop happening, the aftermath of abuse continues for victims. Families are frequently torn apart and thrown into turmoil. That is why at Life Stories, our family advocates prepare families for what may follow the disclosure by offering resources and follow ups to insure families are getting what they need.
