Co-authored by Songze Kevin Chen and Human Options
At Human Options, we know that relationship violence doesn’t just affect partners; it impacts entire families. One of the most dangerous, yet often overlooked, intersections is the connection between relationship violence and child sexual abuse. These forms of harm usually exist side by side, creating environments where safety, trust, and childhood itself are threatened. Research shows that in homes where relationship violence occurs, children are at a significantly higher risk of also experiencing abuse themselves, including sexual abuse. Children living in these households are fifteen times more likely to be physically or sexually abused than the national average. The environments where relationship violence happens are often steeped in secrecy, fear, and instability. Conditions that make children especially vulnerable. The overlap between child sexual abuse and relationship violence is further complicated by shared risk factors like substance abuse, poverty, social isolation, and cycles of intergenerational trauma. In some cases, the same person abusing their partner is also harming a child. In others, the abuse of a child is enabled by a partner who uses intimidation or control to maintain silence and prevent intervention.
At the heart of both forms of abuse is a dynamic of power and control. Children growing up in abusive households may learn to normalize coercion and fear, often left without a trusted adult to turn to. For a child experiencing sexual abuse, the presence of relationship violence in the home can be a powerful silencer, leaving them afraid to speak up or convinced they won’t be believed. The impact of this compounded trauma is profound. Children exposed to both forms of violence often experience long-term effects such as complex PTSD, developmental delays, trust issues, and a higher risk of both mental and physical health challenges. Without support, the cycle may continue into adulthood, with increased risks of becoming a victim or abuser later in life.
Abril is Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to shine a light on these deeply connected issues and invest in prevention that reaches the entire family. That’s why we were honored when seventeen-year-old Songze Kevin Chen, a junior at Portola High School with a deep passion for psychology, human-centered design, and social change, reached out to share an innovative idea.
Inspired by his time studying criminal justice at Harvard and driven by a desire to make prevention tools more emotionally engaging, Kevin created a digital experience aimed at helping parents recognize and respond to signs of child sexual abuse. His voice is a powerful reminder of how the next generation is shaping a safer future for all families.
From Curiosity to Change
By Songze Kevin Chen, age 17
Walking into a Harvard classroom to study criminal justice, I didn’t expect to discover how deeply our system fails survivors of sexual abuse—or to leave determined to make a change.
After talking with parents in my community, I was struck by the genuine care they have for their children and yet, their struggle to recognize the signs of sexual abuse or handle critical conversations. Awareness might not be enough. Real change has to be felt, internalized, and acted upon.
To help make education both impactful and intuitive, I turned to interactive storytelling and created Can You Tell, a first-person, choice-based interactive video that places viewers in the shoes of a busy parent of a 9-year-old child. Through emotionally charged, trauma-informed scenarios, players learn how to recognize distress signals, respond supportively, ask the right questions, and seek help from agencies—all while working to rebuild safety and trust.
At first, Can You Tell struggled to find a platform. School districts and city networks were hesitant to share it due to the sensitivity of the topic. That changed when I connected with Human Options, who not only took my work seriously, but also offered meaningful opportunities to expand its impact through community partnerships and advocacy. This journey has transformed me from a student with questions into a collaborator with a mission. It reminds me that real change doesn’t wait for credentials, perfect plans, or permission—it begins with the passion to care, the audacity to innovate, and the persistence to learn.
Explore the Project
Full Interactive Experience
At Human Options, we believe that collaboration is key to both prevention and healing. Kevin’s project is a powerful reminder that meaningful change happens when we break the silence, bridge generations, and equip communities with tools to support survivors and their families. We look forward to partnering with Kevin and creating innovative tools and education. We are dedicated 24/7 to supporting survivors of relationship violence. Call our hotline at 877-854-3594 or visit humanoptions.org for more information and support.
