The One Word Initiative is a groundbreaking, cross-sector collaboration designed to address a critical blind spot in child protection and prevention efforts: Sibling Sexual Trauma and Abuse (SSTA). While research shows that up to half of all cases of interfamilial childhood sexual abuse involve siblings, this form of trauma remains largely unacknowledged in public policy, data systems, education, and prevention programs. The One Word Initiative seeks to change that by ensuring that one missing word—Sibling—is fully integrated into the national conversation on child safety and abuse prevention.

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Through strategic partnerships with established organizations in child advocacy, public health, education, and federally funded child protection programs, One Word aims to embed SSTA language and prevention into every level of existing infrastructures. Rather than creating parallel systems, the initiative builds bridges between agencies and disciplines to establish shared standards, language, and training.

 

Why “One Word”?

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Because one missing word—Sibling—has allowed countless cases of abuse to remain unspoken, uncounted, and unaddressed.

By adding that one word to the language of child protection, we can transform understanding, response, and prevention for generations to come.

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