A Statement on the Cornell 7

by Judith Rodman
President & CEO

I have felt a heaviness these past few days. My social media feeds have been filled with posts about the Cornell 7, and I found myself needing to step away.

You may be wondering what this has to do with Sunflower House.

The answer is: a great deal.

At Sunflower House, we see the impact of child sexual abuse.  You often hear me share the statistic that 1 out 10 children will experience child sexual abuse by their 18th birthday.  When we dig into that statistic, 1 out of 4 girls will experience child sexual abuse by their 18th birthday.  That’s a quarter of all little girls and teens. Behind every statistic is a child, a family, and a story. And many adults are still carrying the pain of something that happened to them as children, sometimes without ever having told anyone.  The average age of disclosure is age 52!  Can you imagine what it’s like to carry that secret for that many years?

When stories of assault and failures to protect girls and women fill the news, they can bring that pain to the surface. For survivors and those who love them, these stories may feel deeply personal.

We may have trouble sleeping or notice changes in our appetite. We may find ourselves replaying the details, feeling on edge, or staying busy so we do not have to sit with difficult feelings.

If you recognize yourself in these words, please know: You are not alone. There is no shame in feeling overwhelmed, and you deserve care and support.

Sometimes, caring for ourselves begins with a pause—a moment to notice what we are feeling and what we need. We can give ourselves permission to step away, reach out, and find our footing again.

This is one reason I am hopeful about our work with Remarkably Resilient Together (RRT). We are seeking funding to bring a new program to Sunflower House for adults and caregivers, centered on Regulation, Response, Recovery, Relationships, and Reflection. These practices offer opportunities to care for ourselves and strengthen our connections with one another. Learn more at remarkably-resilient.com.

For today, take the break you need. Walk in nature. Call someone who helps you feel safe and understood. Write in your journal. Take a gentle breath. Reach out for support.

You do not have to carry every story—or your own story—alone.

At Sunflower House, we remain committed to protecting children and championing their voices, supporting families, and making room for healing. I find hope in the people who keep showing up for this work: those who listen, those who believe, and those who help.

Together, we can build a community where children are safer, survivors are supported, and hope has room to grow.

About Judith Rodman

Judith (Judi) Rodman is the President and CEO of Sunflower House, the Child Advocacy Center serving Johnson and Wyandotte counties in Kansas. Ms. Rodman has more than 25 years experience in community mental health, family services, therapeutic intervention with children and families, and nonprofit leadership. Ms. Rodman has extensive nonprofit experience in program development and evaluation, staff leadership, and managing state, federal, and private grants.  Read More.