It isn’t going to be easy and every day will be a struggle. Maybe not a physical fight to survive but certainly a psychological one. Some days you will do battle just to be happy. From time to time you will even look back and think dying would have been easier. Read more…
Ohio isn’t the only place full of stunned people today. The world joins them after learning that three missing girls—each gone for about 10 years—were found alive in a Cleveland neighborhood Monday. Before I outline why we’re so happy and simultaneously repelled, let me just say this to the three girls Read more…
As the Steubenville Trial taking place less than two hours from my home winds up today or tomorrow, I’m in Hawai’i preparing for my upcoming speech. At this conference, held by the Institute on Violence, Abuse and Trauma, I’ll talk about the factors that led me to become a rape Read more…
I’m just back from three days at Penn State, or State College, Pa., which are actually pretty much synonymous. That’s because the land-grant school came first, then the town grew up around it. Many businesses have something related to the university in their name or vision, and they all exist Read more…
Although the Jerry Sandusky sex abuse trial “will, for a brief moment capture the attention of the eyes of the world,” according to Pennsylvania Attorney General Linda Kelly, there are bigger stakes to be had. The foremost stake is the fear of child sex abuse victims themselves, that no one Read more…
At least eight young men and children everywhere slept easier last night, knowing that a clarion call has gone out following the verdict in the historic sex abuse trial of Jerry Sandusky. Found guilty of 45 out of 48 counts of the criminal carges Judge John Cleland told the jury Read more…
In a child sex abuse trial of historic proportions, where the victims have only been identified by number, I felt rather honored today to become a number myself. And even though I was “Public Member Number 21,” by the time I entered the courtroom, the only remaining seats were at Read more…
Regardless of the gender used, this applies to both sexes If you’ve had an alcoholic parent, or if you’ve been sexually victimized, you are more vulnerable to feelings of shame and self-doubt, along with the belief that all problems are your fault. These factors can also create a drive to Read more…
If nothing else, I’m thrilled that the Penn State scandal has allowed other victims of child sexual abuse to break their silence. According to NPR, attorneys around the country are fielding phone calls from victims eager to report their abuse. It’s about time. Because breaking their own silence is the Read more…