Waiting. Listening. Watching. These were the behaviors that nine-year-old Tonya* found herself doing much of the time after the sexual abuse by a family friend. Tonya could no longer sleep easily through the night, or focus on playing or doing the things she used to enjoy. She was preoccupied with thoughts about her abuse and the worry that the perpetrator would come back to harm her.

Upon learning that the suspect had been released from jail, Tonya's hyper vigilance increased resulting in her becoming more anxious and harder to console. She began experiencing a desire to hurt herself. Tonya stated, "I'd rather die than have him (the suspect) hurt me again." Tonya's mother, Jessica*, overwhelmed by the impact of her daughter's abuse, also began experiencing anxiety and depression. Due to stress and financial limitations, Jessica had difficulty focusing on other things they needed, such as getting Tonya and her siblings needed school supplies and clothing.

Through the generosity of our donors, we were able to provide the necessary school supplies and new clothing for Tonya and her siblings to begin the new school year. The Prosecutor's office, in collaboration with Center staff, helped Tonya and her mother convey to the legal advocates the impact the suspect's release had on the family. Tonya and Jessica are receiving counseling at the Center to decrease their overwhelming and frightening emotions. Through our team of community, legal professionals and clinical staff, the family received the support needed to begin working through their trauma and progress towards recovery.