FREEDOM 21 Day 3

DAY 3 – SEXUAL ABUSE IN THE HOME

 

Today we will focus our prayer and repentance on the sexual abuse of children in our nations.

Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy. –Isaiah 61:7

Domestic sexual abuse greatly contributes to human trafficking. Through desensitizing its victims to the lowest sexual expression, these emotionally damaged individuals are more prone to being lured into the sex industry by coercion, manipulation, or traffickers posing as prospective “boyfriends” who fulfill the desperate desire to be loved and accepted.

Here are some shocking statistics regarding sexual abuse in the home:

• 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys in the United States have been sexually abused. Over 90% of these children are abused by someone they know and trust. (1)
   
• Almost all of these victims will suffer some psychological or emotional problems (depression, nightmares, insomnia, shame, self-esteem issues, etc.).
   
• Recent studies have shown that as many as 80% of homosexual men were sexually abused. (2)

Unfortunately, the problem is much more difficult to diagnose in Mexico. As is the case in many poorer countries, virtually no studies or concrete information on child sexual abuse exist. The increasing rates of homeless and/or runaway children and of teenage pregnancies at younger and younger ages is a strong indicator that the problem is more widespread than anyone realizes.(3)

PREVENTING ABUSE

To end trafficking, the widespread problem of sexual abuse must be challenged. Prevention can be obtained by understanding the risks to which children are prone. Be careful whom you allow your children to spend time with, even if that person is a family member or friend. Also, monitor your children’s involvement with the internet, as well as content and web sites that are viewed. 13 An estimated one in five children are sexually solicited via the internet.(4)

It’s also important to look for signs of sexual abuse that children may display. This includes extremely emotional behavior (anger, depression, etc.), inappropriate touching of other children, physical marks such as bruises and cuts, and other signs.

To read the full USRPN article on this issue, please click here.

PERSONAL REPENTANCE

Father, forgive me if I have not paid attention to the needs of the children in my society, particularly those who have been abused in any form. I ask that You would open my eyes to see the signs of abuse that may be taking place around me.

CORPORATE REPENTANCE

Father God, we stand in the gap on behalf of our nation and repent for the abuse, mistreatment, neglect, and dehumanization of our children. By understanding that sexual abuse aids trafficking, we repent for allowing it to occur.

INTERCESSION

• Father God, rebuild the family unit in America and Mexico. Return the family to its original purpose and destiny as it was designed by God. Restore in families reverence and awesome respect for God.
   
• Restore innocence and sexual identity to those children who have been abused by friends and family members, those they trusted the most and looked to for protection and safety. Heal their deep wounds of betrayal and abuse.
   
• Expose sexual abuse in homes – alerting a caring family member, school teacher, doctor, friend, or church leader. Rescue these young vulnerable ones who are being abused; deliver these powerless ones from the hands of their perpetrators and a life of fear and torment.
   
• We cry out also for the sexual abusers, especially ones who may have been abused as children themselves. Bring conviction to these perpetrators. Give them courage to step forward in truth, to seek help and to find salvation, healing, and restoration in their lives. Where appropriate, we pray for relationships to be restored.
   
• In agreement today, we decree in Jesus’ name that the cycle of sexual abuse in the home is broken, not only in our generation, but in the generation to come.

TAKE ACTION

1. If you know of children who may be suffering sexual abuse, do all you can to get them help. If enough evidence is obtained, involve your local law enforcement.

2. Please click here to see a list of signs to look for in children who are involved with the sex trade.

3. If you are passionate about the physical, emotional, and mental restoration of children who have been abused and/or trafficked, learn how you can become involved in the restoration process by visiting the web site of Unlikely Heroes