
Prevention and Healing Blog
The Trees of Hope blog gives you the tools to prevent sexual abuse and human trafficking—and the guidance survivors need to walk in freedom and healing.
TRUTH. TOOLS. TRANSFORMATION.
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For Parents & Caregivers
Learn how to talk to your children about abuse in a way that’s honest, age-appropriate, and rooted in faith. Our blog equips you to spot red flags, build safe boundaries, and parent from a place of wisdom—not fear.
Prevention starts with confidence, not panic. Let us help you start the conversation.
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For Survivors
If you're walking the road of healing, you're not alone. Our blog speaks directly to the heart of those who have been wounded—offering hope, spiritual encouragement, and practical tools to help you reclaim your voice and rebuild your story.
You are not too broken. You are not forgotten. Healing is possible.
A Guide to Setting Boundaries for Sexual Abuse Survivors
Establishing boundaries is an important step in healing for sexual abuse survivors. This practical guide can help you start setting healthy limits.
Protecting Children Online: Safeguarding Against Risks in Apps and Chatrooms
Apps provide children with numerous opportunities for learning, socializing, and entertainment, but they also harbor many potential dangers.
Preventing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Addressing and preventing sexual harassment is not just a legal requirement for employers, but also a moral necessity to cultivate a safe, healthy, and productive work setting.
Sexual Abuse and the Church
Churches should be a sanctuary for those healing from trauma, yet survivors of sexual abuse often feel ignored or disbelieved when they bravely share their stories with leaders or counselors.
How Parents Can Prevent Their Child from Being Exploited Online
To protect children from online exploitation, a multi-pronged approach is needed, including educating children and parents, open communication, monitoring online activity, and implementing robust safety measures.
Sexual Abuse Prevention at Every Age
Parents must be proactive about preventing sexual abuse. Age-appropriate conversations about sex are a great place to start.
Sexual Abuse and Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is more pervasive than you may think and is closely tied to sexual abuse.
Recognizing the Symptoms of PTSD in a Child
Children who have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may display a variety of symptoms that can manifest differently depending on the child's age and personality.
Healing a Shattered Identity After Sexual Trauma
Sexual abuse leaves a survivor with a shattered sense of self. Trees of Hope wants to help you rebuild your true identity of unchanging truths.
Myths About Male Sexual Abuse Victims
While sexual assault is often viewed as a crime mainly affecting women, it is equally traumatic for men and more common than many realize. Regardless of gender identity, survivors of sexual violence may experience intense anger, shame, guilt, powerlessness, fear for their safety, and reluctance to speak out.
What is Sexual Abuse? A Quick Guide for Parents
Sexual abuse involves both physical contact and non-physical actions. Parents should educate themselves on the different forms of abuse and how to notice changes in their child's behavior. Although learning about abuse may be uncomfortable, understanding warning signs is a crucial first step in protecting children. All types of abuse can have lasting impacts on a child.
How to Recognize Self-Blame and Its Effects
Many sexual abuse survivors blame themselves for what happened. Feelings of shame, guilt, and self-blame can lead victims to despair. If you are feeling like this, you are not alone. Hope and healing is possible. Trees of Hope can provide guidance and a safe space for discussing feelings of self-blame.
How Parents Can Teach Body Safety To Their Children
Body safety education should begin at an early age, and it is the parent's responsibility to use appropriate language and concepts suitable for their child's age. Creating an environment that is open, supportive, and free from judgment can help to ensure that children feel comfortable discussing matters related to their bodies with their parents. This will help the child to feel more secure and understand the importance of body safety.
6 Sexual Abuse Myths Every Parent Needs to Know
There are so many misconceptions regarding sexual abuse that can contribute to even the most well-meaning and attentive of parents letting their guard down unintentionally. It is crucial that parents are well-informed about sexual abuse so that they can protect their children and create a safe environment.
8 Crucial Conversations Parents Must Have with Their Teens Before Sending Them to College
As students head back to college campuses this fall or are even flying the nest for their first year at college, parents are busy helping them prepare with everything from dorm supplies to tuition payments! Amongst all the prep and planning, at the forefront of every parent’s mind is the safety of their now not-so-little ones while they are away from home and from their protection.
7 Ways Suffering in Silence Compounds Trauma
Victims of sexual abuse or sexual assault often suffer in silence, commonly for fear of being judged or stigmatized. They might feel ashamed of what happened to them, wrongly believing that others would blame them or would not understand their experience. Overcoming these barriers and breaking the silence can be extremely challenging, but beginning the healing process by seeking support and talking to someone is essential. Suffering in silence can have significant, detrimental effects on individuals who have experienced trauma.
Top 5 Things Parents Should Do to Keep Their Child Safe From Sexual Predators
Protecting children from sexual predators is a critical responsibility for parents and caregivers. Child safety is an ongoing process, and it's crucial to maintain vigilance while, at the same time, nurturing your child's self-confidence and autonomy. By fostering open communication and teaching your child about personal boundaries, you can help protect your precious daughters and sons from sexual predators.
The 6 Stages of Healing From Sexual Abuse
Healing from the aftermath of sexual abuse is a process. Much like healing from a physical injury, there are often various stages to the process. It is important to note that not all sexual abuse survivors experience every stage, and not always in this order, but these 6 stages are very common for sexual abuse survivors who have taken the brave decision to start their healing journey.
Help Protect Your Child From Sexual Abuse Online
Preventing online sexual abuse of children is a critical concern for parents. It is crucial for parents to educate themselves on emerging technology and create a safety plan for their home. Here are some practical strategies to help protect your child from online sexual abuse:
How Sexual Abuse Affects Mental Health
Sexual abuse can have profound and lasting effects on a person’s mental health. The effects can vary in intensity and duration based on factors surrounding the abuse. The severity of the abuse, the perpetrator's relationship to the victim, the availability of support systems, and the survivor’s resilience can influence how a person’s mental health is affected.