During National Suicide Prevention Week (September 7-13), Michael opened up about his experience and the messages of hope that got him through. “The first thing you need to understand, and this can’t be overstated enough, is that you are not alone.” He understands how experiencing a sexual assault can feel lonely or isolating, but wants…
This TED talk by Debra Jarvis is about being a cancer survivor, but I think the ideas presented have a lot to offer for abuse survivors as well. Sometimes it’s easier to stay a “survivor”, and allow that to be an excuse for our behavior, or to allow other people to define what being a…
“Shame caused by sexual abuse does not pass that easily. Upon that original shame we build years of additional shame, locking it into that closet in our minds, until the burden becomes unbearable. Trying to live a healthy life while you are buried in shame is impossible. That shame is the infection that needs to…
“The 90-minute webinar is designed to help advocates, organizers and practitioners think about the most effective ways to approach the issue of childhood sexual abuse with men and with those who care about them. Ongoing news stories that raise awareness about the sexual abuse of boys offer a great opportunity to encourage men to begin…
“Multiple stressors in the child’s family and community context, and social and cultural attitudes that shame and blame victims, can create environments in which disclosure is fraught with difficulty. The process of disclosure often involves behavioural and indirect cues, and accidental disclosures, as much or more often than a conscious decision to tell someone about…
Great book review by Amy and Mel! The review itself makes for some interesting reading about how survivors are bonded to their abuser, and how it can be important to understand that the abuser is doing things because of their own problems, not because the child is deserving. Have you read this book? What did…
