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National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse
National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse
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CSA Survivor Force
The mission of CSA Survivor Force is to provide factual information about child sexual abuse (CSA) in a gripping manner to all forms of mass media to inform and educate large populations, reduce the stigma to discuss the topic, and affect change in individual and societal behaviors, policies and procedures across the U.S. and the world. |
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Child sexual abuse can be prevented and treated with a conscious and sustained effort.
Member - CSA Survivor Force:
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Maryellen Spoonhower | |
Maryellen Spoonhower - upstate New York
Maryellenspurpose@gmail.com
607 / 201-5568
Facebook group: Maryellen's Purpose
My name is Maryellen, I live in a small rural community in Upstate New York. I married young and divorced young. I often found the strength to get by in the eyes of my four beautiful children. Now as young adults, they continue to be my greatest blessing.
Have you ever asked yourself "How is it that family members can perceive their childhood so differently?" I have asked myself this question over and over and still I have no answer. I grew up with 5 siblings. I believe if you were to ask them to describe our upbringing they would tell you a story of life in the country with many happy experiences, and being raised by our father who loved and cared for his children and was admired by many in our community.
My story is quite different. It goes more like this... As a very young girl my mother drove away leaving me to the hands of the man who ripped my childhood from me and tore at my soul with years of sexual abuse. I lived in fear and shame.
I do not know what causes a predator to choose one child over another, but I do know that as a child I internalized it as: "There must have been something wrong we me." I thought that I must not have been as valuable as my siblings and I was not deserving of being loved or protected. |
Through many years of counseling, education and my own experience, I can share with you the long term effects of Child Sexual Abuse. The list is lengthy and not limited to, Depression, Anxiety, Abandonment, Relationship Issues, Grief, Eating Disorders, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and a life of constant vigilance. And I can share, too, the fact that I got through it and I know how to impart hope and a sense of strength in others!
I have a voice and I will share my story. Together we will prevent another innocent child from enduring such an act of violence that touches the depth of their soul. Let's give every child the chance to be the beautiful spirit they were meant to be.
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