Sacramento Bee Letter to the Editor submitted regarding: Report: Girls Face ‘Sex-Abuse-To-Prison-Pipeline’ article by Stell Simonton.
http://jjie.org/report-girls-f...son-pipeline/114808/
Sacramento Bee Editorial submitted - Become a Trauma Informed Community
Thank you for sharing the Report: Girls Face ‘Sex-Abuse-To-Prison-Pipeline’ article by Stell Simonton. As a sexual assault examiner for the greater Sacramento area I see these victims all too often. Unfortunately, many times I know when they leave our clinic they will continue to be victimized because agencies and families lack the resources and training to address these girls’ needs. But this is not just an issue for public agencies.
We as a community need to increase our awareness of trauma-informed care and practice. We need to look in the mirror and recognize that human rights abuses don’t just happen in other countries and other communities, but right here in our own backyard. When trauma goes unrecognized, the opportunity is missed to build resilience, and help victims develop adequate coping skills-- rather than delinquent and high risk behaviors which only continue the cycle of traumatization.
Research on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) shows us that these traumatic experiences are very common, and can lead to long-term health issues, such as increased heart rates, pulmonary diseases, depression, diabetes, as well as a host of other chronic and debilitating illnesses. The presence of ACEs also contributes to negative social outcomes, such as low school attainment, under and unemployment, poverty, and involvement with child welfare and law enforcement.
If not supported and provided the opportunity for treatment, these girls will likely pass these risk factors along to their children. Yet extensive, rigorous research evidence shows that by building resilience, these poor health outcomes can be mitigated.
I call on those in leadership positions to commit to trauma-informed practice, and implement the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act recommendations highlighted in Simonton’s article. As a community I call on us all to become trauma-informed. Information, training and support for all systems to become trauma-informed in their practice- from the juvenile justice system to schools, medical facilities, and beyond, exist right here in our community.
The Sacramento County ACEs Connection group is part of a national, grassroots movement to educate communities about ACEs, and the effects of toxic stress. The group’s intent is to help Sacramento County integrate trauma-informed and resilience-building practices into their work, family, community and individual lives.
For more information go to ACEsConnection.com or ACEsTooHigh.com.
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