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I created this website with the hope of helping to solve a problem that exists within all of our communities, regardless of race,  religion, or socioeconomic status - Childhood Sexual Assault (CSA)

 

I didn't realize how prevalent CSA is in our communities until I started doing research as part of my own healing process. What made me want to hide myself for years is now propelling me to do just the opposite. Identifying as a survivor (as opposed to being a  victim) has helped me to find a voice and a purpose. 

 

Survivors of CSA come in all ages,  religions, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds. They often carry their experience alone, stigmatized because of the shame associated with being a victim of it. Very often, the offenders are people in positions of trust - a father, a grandparent, a neighbour, a coach, or some individual well respected and integrated into the community.

 

As survivors, our silence empowers the offenders. They continue to thrive because they count on isolating their victims with fear and shame. 

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My hope is that every child and survivor (no matter what their age) is empowered to know that everyone deserves to feel safe, to have the courage to draw boundaries and speak out when they are feeling unsafe, and to be heard and respected. Every child should have a list of trusted adults they can go to when something does not feel right. 

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Predators control by isolation and dependence. We must teach our children early and teach them well - that when they say "NO", their voice will be heard. 

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Fighting CSA takes courage from community members, family members, health care providers, teachers. It takes courage to recognize and report. It takes courage to stand up to a bully and even moreso when that person was in a position of trust. 

Please know, it is never the child's fault.

 

Let's build strong communities that are not afraid to talk about these topics. The more we talk about this, the less space there is for perpetrators to hide in the shadows. 

You are not alone.  

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