At our recent annual Stand Up for Kids luncheon, we celebrated a milestone that fills me with immense pride and gratitude: The CARE Center has now educated 100,000 children on how to recognize and report abuse.
This achievement is not just a number; it represents 100,000 young lives equipped with the knowledge and tools to stay safe, speak up and seek help when needed. It's a testament to the dedication of our staff, the support of our community and the resilience of the children we serve.
However, as we mark this significant accomplishment, it is crucial to acknowledge that our work is far from complete. The statistics surrounding child abuse are both sobering and urgent. In the United States, an alarming one out of four girls and one out of 13 boys are estimated to experience some form of child abuse.
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Globally, more than 1 billion children are estimated to experience sexual violence. In the U.S., over 550,000 children are known to authorities to be victims of abuse, and child welfare authorities investigate the safety of more than 7.5 million children each year.
These numbers reveal a stark reality: Despite our progress, there are still countless children who need our help. For every child we educate, many others remain vulnerable, without the resources or support to protect themselves. This is why The CARE Center's mission is more critical than ever. Educating 100,000 kids is a significant accomplishment, but we must continue to push forward. We must reach even more children, especially in rural and underserved communities where access to education and resources is limited. We must also continue to innovate our programs, ensuring they are accessible, engaging, and effective for all children, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Our work does not end with education. We must also focus on supporting those who have experienced abuse, helping them heal and reclaim their futures. This means expanding our mental health services, providing ongoing training for educators and caregivers, and advocating for stronger policies to protect children at every level of government.
Yet, amid these challenges, there is hope. Children who experience abuse can and do recover. We are part of a larger network of Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) that heal more than 200,000 kids each year. Through evidence-based therapies and strong family and community support, we help children reduce trauma symptoms and avoid the lifelong impacts of abuse. These proven techniques allow children to thrive, with many no longer showing symptoms of PTSD after treatment.
Our commitment extends beyond the children we serve. We also offer connections to therapy for caregivers and family members, ensuring a holistic approach to recovery. The impact of this support is profound, demonstrating that with the right resources and interventions, healing is not only possible but achievable.
Let us use this milestone as a springboard for even greater impact. Let's commit to educating another 100,000 children, and then another 100,000 after that. Let's ensure that every child in Oklahoma has the chance to grow up in a safe, supportive environment, free from the shadow of abuse.
Together, we have achieved something remarkable, but the work is not done. There are more children to reach, more lives to protect and more healing to foster. With your continued support, I am confident that we can create a brighter, safer future for all of Oklahoma's children -- one where every child has the opportunity to heal and thrive.
Stacy McNeiland is founder and chief executive officer of ROAR, the CARE Center.