IID RESEARCH GRANTS

Still today, sexual abuse carries a stigma that some victims find almost as intolerable to bear as the acts themselves. Victims, and those tasked with defending them, must weigh the cost of exposure before asking for help. With 8 out 10 cases of abuse committed by members of the child’s own social circle there is no doubt that revelations of abuse are incredibly disruptive and painful. They affect families, friendships and the community. When it comes to addressing the issue head on; denouncing the culprit; seeking medical attention; getting legal support and removing the child from the abusive situation – many wonder: “Is it worth it?”

Innocence in Danger believes that it is worth it because there is a huge cost to silence. The devastating emotional impacts are clear. But there is also the un-quantified physical, psychological and economic impact on our communities.  When victims stay silent and the problem is minimized in the eyes of the public, there is no impetus or funding for prevention programs, for legal protection, or for medical treatment and research.

Our mission is to empower researchers to investigate and measure the physical, psychological and economic impacts of sexual abuse on the survivors of abuse and on Society as a whole. Our research fund is therefore devoted to measuring the negative impact of sexual abuse on our Society as well as the positive impact of prevention and treatment programs. These metrics will inform the ongoing fight to prevent abuse, facilitate justice for the victims and heal wounds.