National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse
National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse
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NAASCA Highlights
- Media Watch -
EDITOR'S NOTE: Here are a few recent stories and feature articles from a variety of sources that are related to the kinds of issues we cover on our web site. They'll represent a small percentage of the information available to us, the public, as we fight to provide meaningful recovery services and help for those who've suffered child abuse. We'll add to and update this page regularly, bringing you just a few of the featured articles on the web site.
Here are a few recent stories and feature articles from a variety of media sources that are related to the kinds of issues we cover on our web site. They'll represent a small percentage of the information available to us, the public, as we fight to provide meaningful recovery services and help for those who've suffered child abuse. We'll add to and update this page regularly.
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Power of Responsibility | Joelle Casteix
Joelle Casteix, the leading national “in the trenches” expert on the prevention and exposure of child sex abuse and cover-up, uses her own experiences to illustrate how to move past the trap of victimhood by taking responsibility.
Joelle Casteix is author of the upcoming book THE WELL-ARMORED CHILD: A PARENT'S GUIDE TO PREVENTING ABUSE. She is also the leading national “in the trenches” expert on the prevention and exposure of child sex abuse and cover-up. A successful writer and blogger, her other books include THE COMPASSIONATE RESPONSE: HOW TO HELP AND EMPOWER THE ADULT VICTIM OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE and YES, MY SON, WINE IS ONE OF THE FIVE FOOD GROUPS. Since 2003, Joelle has been the volunteer Western Regional Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx
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"Schizophrenia~Learning To Thrive"
by Mary Ann Goughler, NAASCA family member
Here's a
video biography of Living, Thriving w/Schizophrenia as well as being a wife, mother, grandmother and an artist, published poet, and accomplished professional Mental Health advocate.
Mary, a child abuse survivor, says, "This is National Suicide Month. I want to offer hope / support for all. Thank you in advance."
Lynn Tolson, another NAASCA family member, said it well: "Wow, MaryAnn, what a well-done video. I see you incorporated your fantastic art into it. You really gave your all; what a gift you are sharing with survivors and others who may struggle with mental health. Thank you for showing us how you cope, create, and thrive. Very inspiring."
We couldn't agree more!
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"Breaking the Silence"
The Learning Chanel's "Breaking the Silence" documentary is something NAASCA can definitely recommend. It features NAASCA family member Erin Merryn and four other survivors, several professional voices, and a lot of good info from the groups RAIIN and Darkness to Light.
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EDITOR'S NOTE:
If you've an interest in hearing even more of Erin's story you can take a listen to the "on-demand" version of her appearance on our "Stop Child Abuse Now" talk radio show back in 2011:
SPECIAL TOPIC: Erin Merryn -- Tonight we offer you a repeat of an appearance by one of NAASCA's best known family members, Erin Merryn, from SCAN Episode 186 in 2011.
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This animated film on child sexual abuse should be watched by adults and children alike
Child sexual abuse is a problem that we can no longer afford to ignore. It is of utmost importance that children be educated about it and that children recognize sexual abuse, so that neither they, nor their friends fall victim to it.
This 'Childline India' short film called 'Komal' from 2013 is more than relevant in the present and it is our duty as parents or adults that we make the children in our vicinity watch this. Let us spread the awareness.
Komal is like any other bright, sensitive and happy 7 year old. Her new neighbour- Mr. Bakshi, who moved in with his wife, is her father's old friend. Komal bonds with the affable Mr.Bakshi with whom she has a whale of a time. Until, Komal discovers Mr.Bakshi's bitter reality.
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Lauren Book - Teaching Kids About The Importance Of Speaking Up
After being sexually abused by her nanny throughout her childhood, Lauren Book overcame the traumatic experience. Now, she's dedicating her life to advocating for victims like herself.
"I think the most important thing we can do is educate our children in a safe, developmentally appropriate way," Book said. "We have a pre-K through grade-12 curriculum in Florida that the Lauren's Kids Foundation has rolled out in schools throughout the state talking about our private parts. I have private parts, you have private parts, even the president of the United States has private parts. But it's not okay for anybody to look at or touch your private parts unless you're hurt or you need help and you ask your mom or your dad, or you're at the doctor -- and who's with you when you're at the doctor? Your mom or your dad. Those are your special grown-up buddies."
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How childhood trauma affects health across a lifetime
by
Nadine Burke Harris
EDITOR'S NOTE: I'm happy to SHARE this for Lynn C. Tolson, a dedicated NAASCA family member, who correctly says its too important NOT to share:
Lynn writes, "Even those who are not survivors of childhood trauma may find it interesting in order to understand why in the world we (survivors) can't just "get over it." ***If you are a survivor of childhood trauma, you might find this Ted Talk interesting. It explains how trauma can alter your brain development and your DNA, and why you are affected over the course of a lifetime. Child abuse is not only a social problem, it is a health problem, often a cause of life threatening disease, such as cancer. The ACE study is mentioned, referring to Adverse Childhood Experience, a study that is valuable in determining levels of trauma. I wish therapists, doctors, health care providers would see this."
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A Path Appears
A Path Appears, from the creative team that brought you the groundbreaking series Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide, premieres January 2015 on PBS.
The three-part documentary series follows Pulitzer Prize winning journalists Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn along with actor/advocates Malin Akerman, Mia Farrow, Ronan Farrow, Jennifer Garner, Regina Hall, Ashley Judd, Blake Lively, Eva Longoria, and Alfre Woodard.
Together they travel throughout the United States and to Colombia, Haiti, and Kenya and uncover the harshest forms of oppression and human rights violations, as well as the solutions being implemented to combat them.
The documentary series is produced by Show of Force in association with ITVS.
