The movie 'Precious' reflects the life of many others, says child abuse experts

The much-anticipated movie Precious opens on November 6. The film, whose executive producers include Oprah Winfrey, tells the bleak story of an obese, illiterate 16-year-old Harlem girl who is pregnant with her second child (the result both times of sexual assaults by her father) and who suffers daily verbal and physical abuse at the hands of her mother.

Her story, while shocking, is not unique, and UMDNJ medical and mental health professionals who work with abused children can discuss the urgent issue raised in Precious: the impact that physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect and domestic violence have on children and families.

"Precious may be fictional, but the life she describes is not; we've seen many cases like hers," said Esther Deblinger, PhD, co-director of the CARES (Child Abuse Research and Education Services) Institute at UMDNJ. "Children like Precious exist in every community. They suffer unspeakable physical, sexual and emotional abuse and often suffer silently for years."

For more than two decades, Deblinger and Dr. Martin Finkel, co-founders and co-directors of the CARES Institute at the UMDNJ-School of Osteopathic Medicine, have been helping children heal from the trauma of abuse. Finkel is a pioneer in the in the medical evaluation and treatment of child sexual abuse and Deblinger is a nationally recognized expert who has developed scientifically-proven treatment programs to help children recover from abuse.

"As many as one in four girls and one in six boys may suffer sexual abuse by the time they are 18," Finkel said. "Child abuse affects all segments of society and doesn't discriminate based on race, religion, ethnic or socio-economic backgrounds."

This year alone, the CARES Institute will provide medical and mental health services to more than 2,000 children, helping them overcome the effects of abuse including post traumatic stress disorder, suicidal tendencies and depression.