Posts
Why Abuse Happens
When we don’t understand the power imbalance of an abusive relationship, it’s easy to judge a victim of domestic violence. Why victims stay is not simple to explain nor is every abusive relationship the same. However, we can look at common abuser tactics and why so many victims feel trapped and unable to…
Parenting as a Survivor
Parenting is a difficult journey to embark on. The exhaustion those first few months paired with the awe of this beautiful new person is life changing. There is frustration of a defiant toddler and the amazement of them stringing together sentences. Parents experience pride with their child’s independence in adolescence; they are growing…
The Right To Come Forward
Often times people will question why an adult who was sexually abused in their childhood waited years to disclose. I cannot speak for all victims or survivors, but I can say with a certainty many of us felt shame, embarrassment, and guilt; we were led to believe it was our fault or we…
Why Every Year?
Every year our children review and relearn information from the previous year. Bus evacuations, fire drills, tornado and inclement weather drills, code red and lockdowns, and even stranger danger. All of this is taught and learned and relearned with one goal in mind: to keep children safe. When Erin’s Law was passed in…
What is Erin’s Law?
On January 24th, 2013 Governor Quinn of Illinois signed Senate Bill 856 into law. More commonly known as Erin’s Law, this legislation mandates all public schools to provide comprehensive prevention education on sexual abuse. Statistically speaking, 1/4 girls and 1/6 boys will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday. If this law had not…
They’ve Told You…Now What? Part 2
It happened: Someone you love and care about has disclosed sexual abuse. You have supported them though some healing already: Remembering the abuse, finally allowing themselves to believe it happened, and the confusing nature of grieving loved ones lost in the battle of finding their voice. Now, you are faced with a newer…
They’ve Told You…Now What?
An initial disclosure of sexual abuse is the first step in a survivor’s decision to heal. They have determined that you are a safe person to go to. They are taking a leap of faith telling you what has happened to them, and most likely hoping you will respond with compassion and love….
Do’s and Do Not’s of Disclosing
Now more than ever, the topic of child sexual abuse is discussed. Parents and those who work with children are inundated with information that could help a child: Signs of abuse, grooming tactics, statistics, coping mechanisms, how to be supportive on a healing journey, and how to cope as a parent if your…
Standing Tall and Speaking Loud
Speaking up for what we believe in has never been an easy feat. Standing by our values, beliefs, and mores can be risky; History has shown us time and time again speaking publicly against injustices can put us in danger. Fear and all, so many of us jump into the void of the…
How to Talk to Your Child about Sexual Abuse
As adults we have a great responsibility to keep our children safe. We talk stranger danger and how to run away. We reinforce fire safety drills and the ever-memorable “STOP-DROP-ROLL” if you were to catch on fire. We duck in hallways for tornado drills and stay silent during lock-downs. We learn all of this…