Child sexual abuse used to be an extremely taboo subject. But more people are willing to talk, and so are more children – which is a necessary first step if the child is going to heal from such a traumatic event.

"'Sometimes it can be very intense when a child is explaining a story, some of the allegations society can't even fathom,' said [Kristi] Turner. 'It's hard for me being in this profession being used to heard those stories, but people who aren't in this profession would be totally shocked by some of the things that we hear.'"

Children who are sexually abused are at an increased risk of developing eating disorders, abusing drugs or alcohol, failing in school and becoming victims of domestic violence. They need to know that it's ok to tell someone, so that they can get help.

A private boarding school, like the Academy at Swift River, can offer teens a safe environment where they can focus on academics and personal growth. Visit SwiftRiver.com for more information about their therapeutic boarding school program for troubled teens.

Labels: child_abuse, risky_behaviors, trauma