article in the Mustang times on the work that i am doing to break the silence of child sex abuse

Debbie Bunch had not stepped foot on a pageant stage since she was a teenager, but knew the time was right.  After competing in countless pageants as a child, the Oklahoma city woman is again taking center stage.
And this time she's bringing a powerful message with her. As a victim of child sex abuse, Bunch knows the pain many children and adults carry with them and wants to help break the silence.
Child sex abuse is an uncomfortable issue, but its something that affects so many people, Bunch said.
To raise awareness about the issues of child sex abuse, Bunch is making a run at the Mrs. Oklahoma plus America title next month.  As the reigning Mrs. Canadian county Plus America, Bunch has been able to promote her platform, but believes a state wide title would increase her impact.  I have not competed since i was 19 years old and i honestly never planned on it again, it just happened.  bunch said.
I want to get to the state level, so i can get out and spread the message to more people.
Mrs. Oklahoma Plus America is a platform based pageant for married women that wear at least a sz 14w.
 Contestants are judged heavily on the interview portion of the competition, which accounts for 50% of their score.  The women will also compete in evening wear, and elegant pant wear, with each segment counting for 25% of the total score.
Bunch said the Mrs. Oklahoma Plus America pageant is a perfect fit.

Im not interested in parading around in a bathing suit, I want to get my platform out there.  She said.
Its amazing how many people will talk to me now as Mrs. Canadian County plus America, and i feel like this will give me more leverage.
Bunch is hoping her message is heard by adults, who like herself, were victims of of sexual abuse and now suffer from an easting disorder.  she is also interested in helping others who suffer from PTSD and drug and alcohol abuse.
She said that sometimes victims of sexual abuse turn to drugs, alcohol or become an abuser themselves.
It becomes a vicious cycle and we need to help stop it....Bunch said.
"alot of times we help young children that are abused, but not offer help when they're adults and its a lifelong issue."
Bunch believes that the lack of assistance for adults is a major problem.
Along with the creation of support groups, Bunch would like to push for improved access to mental health professionals.  She endured a lengthy battle with her insurance provider before being granted one year of therapy.
It took me 6 months of going through my insurance before i could finally see a therapist.  Bunch said
I think that a lot of people would just give up before they get the help they so desperately need.
Bunch said those counseling sessions helped her talk to her family about her painful past.
the hardest part was telling my family about it, but once i did i felt a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders.  Bunch said.
The Mrs. Oklahoma plus America pageant is set for may 6th and 7th at the Clarion Hotel and confrence center in Oklahoma city.

For more information about Bunch and her efforts to battle child sexual abuse visit http://www.debbiebunch.blogspot.com/