Make sure children get help

Thank you so much for shining a light on Martin Santos and child sexual abuse [“Painful story gives Des Moines man a path to healing,” page one, June 28].

The majority of the time, the perpetrator is known to the child — more than 90 percent of the time. They can be an acquaintance, close friend, neighbor, family member, teacher or coach.

It is also important to know that children false report only 2 percent of the time — they hardly ever lie. It is very important they get the help they need as soon as possible. Children can and do recover, and go on to lead healthy and happy lives.

The Children’s Response Center in Bellevue is a program of Harborview/University of Washington Medicine and has been in existence for more than 25 years. We serve north and east King County, and provide therapy, legal and medical advocacy for children who’ve been victims of child sexual abuse and other traumatic events.

Children cannot protect themselves, and it’s up to us, as a community, to make sure children get help when they need it. The Children’s Response Center does just this — it helps children.

Anyone living in north or east King County who suspects their child has been sexually abused should call as soon as possible. The phone number is 425-688-5130.

— Amy Lang, Children’s Response Center, Education and Awareness chair, Seattle