BY LEON B. CREWS
Sentinel Staff Writer

There are hundreds of not-for-profit groups in the area, as well as government organizations that are supposed to help those who need help.

However, one woman feels those groups aren’t reaching the people who really need the help.

“We must make sure the people not only know where to go for help, but what they need to bring with them,” said Angela Moore.

Ms. Moore is the founder of a support group that helps victims of sexual abuse. Her mission is to create a comfortable environment where girls, young women, and adult women can go and feel comfortable talking about their situation.

“I discovered that most victims of sexual abuse are either scared or too embarrassed to tell anyone what’s happening to them. That’s why it continues, and I [private]believe someone has to be stronger than they are to get them to deal with this problem.”

Ms. Moore said incidents of sexual abuse and incest occur more often than people think, but the stories aren’t publicized, and the incidents are kept quiet by the victims.

“I appeal to all the victims out there to not be scared to tell someone what’s happening to you. You have a right to protect yourself, and no one has the right to take anything from you. As females, we must remember that sometimes the only protection we have is each other. You’ve got to trust someone.”

Ms. Moore invites anyone interested in working with her as a volunteer or someone interested in telling their story to contact her at (813) 770-2083. [/private]