Sharing – Carrying heavy secrets alone: sexual trauma disclosure in boys and men
We shouldn’t act surprised when claims of abuse are revealed many years after the act. That’s not evidence that the claim is false; it’s just the norm.
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Sharing – Killing disclosure: The unspoken effect of the death penalty for child rapists in Louisiana
I’ve gotten some grief online for suggesting that murdering people who abuse children isn’t what the victim needs. Maybe, if you hear it from an expert, you’ll understand what I feel as a survivor who wouldn’t have told anyone if I knew it could lead to the death of another person, even my abuser.
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Sharing – Your discomfort is not our deadline to move on
Do I wish I never had to hear another survivor’s story? Of course, I do. Not because of my discomfort, but because I wish these stories didn’t have to exist. Until there are no more stories, we owe it to survivors not only to hear them, but also to learn from them and take action because of them. Ignoring the truth harms us all and leads to more survivors with stories.
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Funding cuts to child mental healthcare are bad health and economic policy
As Renée points out, childhood trauma increases the likelihood of a wide range of physical and mental health issues later in life. To the tune of trillions of dollars. The way to address those outcomes is through early interventions for kids. Often, those are available because of grants and government funding. That costs money, but it’s a better alternative to all of the costs associated with treating the long-term impacts of trauma.
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Sharing – Memories of childhood trauma may shift depending on current relationships
Think of it this way, we don’t ask trauma survivors to try healing from their trauma when their current situation is unsafe. That would be silly. We get them into a safe situation first, before they can even begin to heal. The same goes here. Kids who are safe and feel secure in their parents’ love and support look forward beyond the trauma.
Kids who are unsafe and not secure in the love and support of parents relive their trauma on a daily basis. It’s no wonder they are slightly more likely to immediately think of it when surveyed.
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Sharing – The Cost of Healing Out Loud
Having people in my life who I can talk to has been a massive support in my healing. Being able to tell my story with my voice has been a huge blessing for me.
I’m also acutely aware of the downside when it goes wrong, however. I know too many survivors who’ve been further damaged when trying to share their story as opposed to getting the support they were desperately seeking. Please, be careful with your story and yourself.
