Photo: flip rodriguez/ instagram
Flip Rodriguez has run, jumped and climbed his way to success onAmerican Ninja Warrior, and now he’s taking his next step in helping people who’ve experienced sexual abuse as children.
The 32-year-old athlete is partnering with theBarbara Sinatra Children’s Centerto participate in a new episode ofFightChildAbuse.org’s Virtual Event Series. During his appearance, Rodriquez will help young viewers learn steps they can take to protect themselves when they feel unsafe.
Teaming with FightChildAbuse.org is part of Rodriquez’s personal mission to share resources with children and teens who might not know of them.
“One of the biggest things for me was I didn’t have the resources,” he tells PEOPLE. “I didn’t know. There was no phone that I could type it in on Google. We’re talking about when I had dial-up internet and AOL.”
Living in 2021, however, is “so different,” he adds. “It’s a different world.”
Elizabeth Morris/NBC
The episode will air Thursday, June 3 at 1 p.m. ET, and is aimed at teenagers 13 and older, or students who are grades 7 to 12. Rodriguez says it will give them the tools to reach out for assistance when they need it.
Coaches, counselors, parents and guardians are also encouraged to register for the episode if they’d like to learn more about adequately responding to and recognizing unsafe situations on behalf of minors, FightChildAbuse.org said. Viewers can register on theirwebsite.
The Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center launched their FightChildAbuse.org campaign last year in response to the heightened risks children faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the United Nations Human Rights Council, thepandemic has worsened the sexual exploitation and abuse of children.
After revealing his story of escaping abuse during an episode ofAmerican Ninja Warrior, Rodriguez has dedicated much of his time to sexual abuse awareness and education. He hopes to inspire others to start the first steps in the healing process, even if he is still going through his own.
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“There’s no blueprint. Take your time. Do what you feel is necessary for you to heal,” Rodriguez explains. “Whatever you need to help you as an individual to heal properly.”
“Every time I go out and talk, I’m constantly reliving it,” he says about sharing his story, adding that he often goes to a “safe place” after to let out his emotions. “[But] then I look, and I’ve helped somebody. And it’s like, okay, so see? That was worth it. When you understand that life is bigger than yourself, I think that’s when you figure out life.”
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
source: people.com
