HELP Child Sexual Abuse Survivors in the Philippines

My name is Elena Shella Villamor and I am a child sexual abuse survivor. I was seven when I was molested by my much older male cousin who came to live with us. It was not an easy life for me because I was even suppressed when I told my experience to my adoptive mother and aunt. For 38 long years, I kept my silence.

Now, I am in my 40s. No matter how difficult, I came forward with this information because, first, I felt that it was a choice between suicide or "coming out". Second, I am using my face, my voice, and my pen (I am a professional writer) in raising this campaign to help fellow CSA survivors. Picture this - that same day when I posted my experience on my social media account - three of my friends immediately contacted me to tell me that they went through the same experience.

To date, I now have 14 private messages from my immediate circle, alone, which just confirms that child sexual abuse is rampant in the Philippines. Further research gave me the information that there are 7,000,000 cases of child sexual abuse annually in our country. (Cameleon, n.d.)

7 million!

A huge percentage of this number choose to remain silent while being denied justice for so many years. In the same manner, many of these survivors succumb to depression and suicidal tendencies because of the absence of affordable mental health therapy.

As a CSA survivor, myself, I am asking you that, together, let us help the CSA survivors achieve a normal life. Through your goodwill, we can still make these people live meaningful and happy lives through mental health therapy, a non-sectarian spiritual guidance (for those who choose to), and justice through reaching the proper authorities. We also intend to educate, the parents, young adults, and youth about CSA prevention through barangay trainings.

I have already set up a website for this cause (see the links provided) and there are going to be regular events, podcasts, and blog there. I have three initial recipients at the moment (one young man and two young women, all in their adolescence) who were molested by their relatives. Pls help me jump-start the positive change in their lives by donating any amount that will fuel our campaign. We will provide updates on the progress of these cases. Medical receipts and other proofs will be uploaded regularly.

I am calling this "Wave 1" as a jump-starter. I am hoping that through your kind efforts, that this is going to be an ongoing campaign. If you want to regularly donate to this cause, then you are most welcome to do so. I have every intent to expand this so that we can reach out to more CSA survivors in the future.

If you're having difficulty donating through Paypal, you may also deposit/transfer your donations to:

BPI/Account name: Elena Shella Villamor/Acct. # 8519 3472 89

GCash: 09052999662