The Trauma and After-Effects of Abuse

Letters to the Editor   - July 6, 2002

'Bravely coming forward'

I am writing on behalf of the Clthesline Project, a coalition of women who provide therapeutic workshops for female survivors of abuse and advocate for victims of violence. We want to respond to a June 24 letter writer who referred to the lawsuits filed by adults who were abused as children by priest: "When people file charges about things that happened 25 to 40 years ago, it's about money."

No doubt many other feel this way, but the actions of these individuals must be seen in light of what is known about trauma, the after-effects of abuse and the steps that aid in the healing process.

Research conducted in 1991 indicates that in cases of child sexual abuse where the abuse was not disclosed at the time of the crime, the average time between cessation of the abuse and the victims' seeking treatment is 17 years. Often this means that victims remain silent about the abuse, trying to ignore symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder or not understanding the relationship between the abuse and the problems they encounter that stem from the abuse.

Perpetrators who sexually abuse children are skilled at frightening their victims into secrecy, telling them either that they will not be believed or that the abuse is somehow their fault. Shame is another significant factor. When both the perpetrator and victim are males,. the shame can be overwhelming.

No doubt many of these victims tried to bury the pain and believed there was nothing they could do. But some could not remain silent when th4y saw others bravely coming forward. Now they stand with other victims to demand changes be made so this cycle can be broken.

As to why lawsuits are not just about money, our experience as victim advocates has taught us that without litigation, institutions that harbor abusive individuals rarely voluntarily make the changes necessary to end abusive practices or their cover-ups.

The Clothesline Project members extend our gratitude to the men and women how have come forward. We encourage them to call us at 456-5654 if we can be of assistance.

Andree Mondor
The Clothesline Project
Louisville 40207

Recovering from abuse

As a therapist working in the community with individuals whose lives have been seriously impacted by past abuse, I had to respond after reading a letter titled "Get on with life" under "Charges Against Priests" in your June 24 issue.

I agree with the first two paragraphs, which reinforced that "the abuse of anyone . . .  is very wrong." However I strongly disagree with the rest.

I am a licensed clinical social worker and have worked with a number of individuals over the years with trauma issues, so I am coming from a position of both clinical experience and on-going education in the field of abuse/trauma recovery.

First I'd like to say that when people file  charges about things that happened 25 to 40 years ago, it's not necessarily "about money." This is clearly evident in the number of people who had approached law enforcement and/or church hierarchy when the abuse originally occurred.

Also, it is important to note that perpetrators may still remain in our communities, violating and getting away with it because they have used secrecy and shame as their shield. The intentions of those coming forward now, or those who came forward in the past, may be stopping any continued abuse and not collecting money.

Another misconception is that anyone who suffered abuse long ago should be "over it." Post-traumatic stress disorder is a real illness. Any war veteran or survivor of the Sept. 11 tragedy could explain how real their flashbacks are or how long is long enough to recover. These people are getting "on with life." They aren't recognizable at work or in public places because most cary their grief and pain internally.

Finally, I would encourage people to educate themselves on trauma, recovery and the effects of abuse, whether physical, emotional or sexual. There are many good books on these subjects. Abuse by those who are supposed to keep us safe is an especially harmful betrayal of trust.  Some call it "sanctuary trauma," and the perpetrators can be family members, baby0sitters, teachers, coaches, priests and other church workers.

Those who come to therapy and ask for help with recover are some of the most courageous, selfless people I know. I greatly admire their drive and creativity in surviving, healing and growing.

Mary Hosey, LCSW
Norton Psychiatric Clinic
Louisville, 40202