I have noticed that many of my coaching clients hold the perspective that only they, in all this world, have suffered abuse of one type or another. I actually used to hold that truth myself before I began my therapy many years ago. Imagine my surprise when I realized that I was not alone after all. Abusers rely on silence, it’s their biggest weapon, and so, if one is abused they often don’t say anything because they’ve been threatened somehow that the truth will be dangerous for them.
I’ve been thinking about that and I wanted to share something that, while truly sad I believe, may help those who feel they are the only one suffering from the effects of abuse.
The population of the world is approximately 6,692,030,277 – (2008 figures.)
Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators. The ratio of men to women is about 50/50 so half are men, half are women. Statistics show that about 50% of women and 1 in 6 men will have been exposed to some kind of abuse in their lifetime. So, take that 6 billion number, divide it by half for the women, and then by half again for the # who might be exposed to abuse and the staggering number is 1.5 billion! 1. 5 billion women! That’s just the women!
Did you know that, finger tip to finger tip, it would take 18 million people to circle the globe?
Think about that now….1.5 billion women abused, 18 million to circle the globe, you know how many times the number of abused women would circle the globe?
Thinking caps on folks…..a little help? 83.3 times….
Think about that! Every single abused woman, finger tip to finger tip, would circle the globe 83 times…! Wow! And, again, that’s only the women.
Still feeling like you’re the only one?
Think again my friend and then reach out and ask for help. Speak your truth, live your life like you were meant to, not how fear has held you.
Living la vida fearless,
Jan
Great post! And the message is soooo clear: the more we speak out the more women get the right support, help and healing. 83.3 times….. let’s join together and bring that down to 0.