Reunion Online

I have now made the choice to do my best to repair and rebuild myself into a whole and healthy person.

Both women and men can be triggered by current events to re-experience the well-known “fight, flight, or freeze” responses left over from childhood trauma. Years of trauma research has shown us that establishing safety and emotional connection are important components in healing from childhood abuse.

Just accepting that the result of a sexual experience in childhood was “unwanted” is enough to start the process of reclaiming a healthy and happy life.”

So I was particularly pleased last week to travel to State College, Pennsylvania to mingle with local supporters of the recently formed Peaceful Hearts Foundation, an organization founded by Matthew and Kim Sandusky to support those who experienced childhood sexual abuse.

A week ago, I received the most amazing gift. I was offered the chance to travel back in time, by participating in a week-long camp for young boys that have experienced abuse.

With the college semester already underway - or fast approaching for universities following the quarter system-, survivor groups and campaigns on campus are busy at work promoting consent, bystander intervention, and resource education to incoming freshman and transfers.

My experience last week at the National Sexual Assault Conference (NSAC) in Pittsburgh convinced me there’s been a shift toward a widespread commitment to focus on helping the 1 in 6 men that have experienced childhood sexual abuse.

When I was a young man, I nearly drowned a close friend of mine. I'm often reminded of that day when I hear couples talk about their struggles to survive, which they may be having when one or both of the partners experienced childhood sexual abuse.

In my experience, my physical and emotional health positively affected my productivity. Are trauma-informed management practices profitable for companies?

My void: the only place I really felt completely comfortable and safe.