When It’s Closer Than You Think: Confronting Child Sexual Abuse in Randolph County

From the team at Blueprint Counseling

It’s the conversation most people avoid.

But it’s also one of the most urgent.

Because child sexual abuse isn’t rare. And it isn’t always a stranger.

Here in Randolph County, we are seeing a clear need to act — not just when the headlines appear, but in how we prepare, educate, and support our community every day.

The Problem Is Real — And It’s Local

Over the past year, several high-profile cases involving child sexual abuse have made headlines in Randolph County. Sadly, they’re not isolated. They’re symptoms of a much broader problem.

According to data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, in Randolph County alone:

• There were over 160 substantiated cases of child sexual abuse and serious neglect in the most recent reporting year.

• More than 1 in 5 child victims of abuse in Randolph County had experienced sexual abuse.

• Many more cases likely go unreported — especially those involving trusted adults or family members.

It’s not always “the white van" that should peak your suspicion.

Often, it’s a family member. A coach. A babysitter. A youth leader. A trusted adult.

The myth of “stranger danger” distracts us from the real, painful truth: the vast majority of child sexual abuse is perpetrated by someone the child already knows.

We’ve Been on the Front Lines

Our lead therapist, Desiree Lambert, helped build one of the most respected child advocacy programs in North Carolina — starting from scratch. She worked across agencies, trained professionals, and walked alongside hundreds of children and families in the aftermath of sexual trauma.

She brings that depth of experience to Blueprint Counseling, where we focus on building long-term healing — not just short-term responses.

Community Partnerships Matter

We’re proud to be part of a growing network of care in Asheboro. While no one agency can do this alone, collaboration is happening:

• The Invictus Project has brought trauma-informed advocacy to schools, families, and at-risk populations.

• Local churches and pastors are opening doors to conversations about abuse, prevention, and care for survivors.

• Law enforcement, DSS, and court advocates in Randolph County continue to strengthen how cases are handled, investigated, and prosecuted with children’s safety in mind.

Blueprint Counseling adds to that fabric — not just with therapy, but with training, education, and advocacy.

Know the Signs. Start the Conversation.

Child sexual abuse doesn’t always leave a physical mark. But it almost always leaves emotional scars — and children rarely know how to talk about what’s happening to them.

Signs to watch for:

• Sudden fear, withdrawal, or aggression

• Excessive secrecy or shame

• Age-inappropriate knowledge of sexual behavior

• Avoiding a specific person without explanation

• Regression (e.g., bedwetting, clinginess, baby talk)

• Unexplained physical symptoms.

Children often don’t “disclose” the way adults expect. They test the waters. They hint. They act out. That’s why open, honest communication is critical.

Let them know: you can tell me anything. I will believe you. I will protect you.

Blueprint Counseling Is Here to Help

We specialize in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) — the gold standard in helping children recover from sexual trauma. We also offer the Problematic Sexualized Behavior (PSB) Program for children to address a wide range of problematic or illegal behaviors.

Our approach is grounded in science, but driven by heart. We provide:

• Individual therapy for children and teens

• Support for non-offending caregivers

• Safe, confidential space for healing

• Coordination with attorneys, DSS, and other professionals when needed

• Education for families on how to build trust, set boundaries, and restore stability

We understand the layers of trauma. We also know what healing looks like — and how to help get there.

If you suspect abuse, are navigating a current investigation, or are struggling with the long-term effects of something that happened years ago, we are here.

There is no shame in seeking help.

There is only strength in protecting children and helping survivors reclaim their story.

Blueprint Counseling

Built for healing. Designed for hope.

[www.blueprintcounselingnc.com]