Child hood rape is far more common than the community would care to admit. This is not only a sad fact in reference to children, but it also continues to plague the lives of adults who have had the misfortune to have had such a violation. Though the past may be past, it can and does continue to effect the present. Survivors of childhood rape have many serious problems to overcome that affect every day of their adult lives, in social relationships and their own self image.

So severe is the trauma these little girls have experienced, that it often takes many years, even decades, before they are brave enough to confront those haunting memories. There are many seemingly impossible hurdles that come against the victim, including the painful memories, facing the shame of 'rape', confronting their abuser and even forgiveness. However, these hurdles are not impossible, especially with the right help.

Yes it is the victim's place to work through her recovery process.

However it is her friend's privilege to walk alongside her, it is her church's responsibility to provide a safe environment, and it is a counsellor's duty to learn how to best help her; as these supports ease the painful load and possibly make the difference between recovery or giving up.

Many do give up, possibly due to the immensity of the challenge, or maybe due to the extent of the pain that is involved. These women can go on to live seemingly normal lives, but they are always mindful of a haunted forest, and their lives seem to be tainted with despair and distrust - they never got that 'break' that others did.

Victims of childhood rape need caring and loving friends, friends that will remain committed to them despite what they might learn about them and despite the seemingly endless struggle. It would make a huge difference if these friends understood what the other person was going through and how they could best support the victim of childhood rape.

There is no way of taking the pain away from a victim of childhood rape, but if a friend or family member understands the process of recovery that the victim will go through and commits themselves to helping the victim, then their days in the haunted forest may well come to an end.