The Madison Christian Giving Fund is supporting Lilada’s Livingroom in 2016. Scott Haumersen, Chairman of the Fund, says “we are honored to support Lilada’s Livingroom because of their exemplary work in addressing sexual abuse against Black girls and women with their Christ-centered ministry.”
Lilada’s Livingroom is a Madison based ministry focused on the prevention and early intervention of sexual abuse of Black girls in Madison. This issue is not being addressed in a concentrated effort in the city, state or nation. According to Lilada Gee, Executive Director, “ in addition to addressing the tragedy of sexual abuse of Black girls, this initiative presents a powerful new opportunity for evangelism and new partnerships with Black churches in Madison.”
Fifty percent of Black girls are estimated to be sexually victimized by the age of 18. This is at epidemic levels. The long-term effects are shame, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, early onset of sexual activities, teen pregnancy, higher incidents of depression, low self-esteem, and expressions of violence.
This experience leads to self-destructive behavior, unhealthy relationships, and increases in suicide attempts. The foundation of present and historical sexual trauma comes from hundreds of years of sexual victimization from slavery, according to Lilada.
With no black sexual assault advocates in Madison there are perhaps hundreds or more Black women and girls who have a need to heal within the context of their culture with little or no resources to rely on. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, Special Report, for every Black woman that reports her rape/abuse at least 15 do not report theirs.
Lilada comments, “I believe this is a result of internalized trauma – the myth of the strong Black woman – causing her to swallow her pain rather than heal it, the mistrust of the system, and lack of Black women in the support fields for sexual assault, especially for first time responders.” To emphasize the crisis, Lilada goes on, “The impact of Black girls growing into Black women who select their intimate partners, raise their children and live their lives through the constant veil of unhealed sexual trauma, low self worth, and shame is evident not only in the mental, physical, and spiritual health of Black women but also weighs deeply upon their families and community.”
These Black girls and women need the compassion and hope Lilada’s Livingroom provides. “There is no healing without hope, and no hope without faith. That’s why we have created a Christ centered approach to dealing with this tragedy.” Lilada confidently proclaims.
Education, personal healing testimonies of Black sexual abuse victims, evangelism, outreach and training through partnership with Black churches will provide the opening for personal connections and counseling.
Today, Friday, April 1, 2016, is Black Woman Heal Day. More from Lilada Gee.