Lynn C. Tolson's Blog: Beyond the Tears: A True Survivor's Story by Lynn C. Tolson, blog, page 15

Tolson 4 TEARS Cheers Survivor Poem

LIES




by Cindilin Pettibone



I hear what you are saying

But are you saying what you mean

 I don’t understand.



You twist your words and misuse them

They were not meant to be used that way

Nor was I; dear ones I loved

 I don’t understand.



Your holding of me that I loved, craved and needed so

Soon became uncomfortable feelings of touch

Isn’t that how it is for all? I believed

 I don’t understand.



You bought me such nice, beautiful things any girl would adore

Clothes, PJ’s, Robe, Purses, Overnight Bag

I had no idea then exactly how I would have to pay for it

But pay I did…dearly

 I don’t understand.



The façade of going to the care races

Only to go to a seedy motel

Duck down he would say,

It’s our little secret

 I don’t understand.



To be told you have to earn that hamburger

If you want to eat

My tummy was so very hungry

 I don’t understand.



You will pick you fun from this card next to it a price

But you must pick from the back—the worst of the worst 

There was nothing I wanted to choose

I was his unwilling little whore

 I don’t understand.



I was supposed to be light, happy, fun and free

Instead I was dark, ugly, fat and scared of life

I will never experience childhood

 I don’t understand.




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Art by Cindilin Pettibone

Beyond the Tears Receives Review: 4 Male Survivors Too

Superb Book for Male Survivors Too




"As a male survivor of child abuse, I found Beyond the Tears to be an inspiring story of courage to heal from her traumatic upbringing. Child abuse knows no gender. It causes pain and suffering to all those who endure it. Lynn C. Tolson writes in a clear and driving prose that allows the reader to see life through her eyes. It took enormous courage to write and publish this book. It has been a healing and uplifting experience for me. I hope that all survivors of abuse will read this. I also hope that those in the mental health field take the time to read and digest this work. If you want to know the type of trauma that befalls a person to attempt suicide, read this story. If you want to believe you can heal from this type of nightmare, I encourage you to read this book. I'm thankful it was written."

Jeffrey T. Hudec





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If you are a male survivor of child abuse, you may want to visit Male Survivor: "We are committed to preventing, healing, and eliminating all forms of sexual victimization of boys and men through support, treatment, research, education, advocacy, and activism."

Tolson 4 TEARS Cheers "Emerging From Broken"

Congratulations to Darlene Ouimet , certified life coach and mental health advocate, for publishing the blog Emerging From Broken. Darlene Ouimet, offers "a message of hope for recovery from depression and abuse, and for living in fullness." 

Written by Darlene Ouimet, the mission of Emerging From Broken is 

"To inspire hope for healing, wholeness, recovery and freedom to all who struggle with mental health issues such as mild or chronic depression, dissociative identity disorder or multiple personality, child sexual abuse, psychological abuse or abuse of any kind."

Darlene says, "I am excited to offer a message that is unique, sharing the missing puzzle pieces I have found that many others are seeking to find. I am a passionate advocate of emotional, mental and psychological health. This is a place of inspiration and connection where I share my journey and we share our journey with all other seekers, learning and growing together. I welcome feedback, insight and viewpoints from your own personal journeys."

"Emerging from Broken offers unique insight exposing the lies at the root of depression, sexual abuse, and all types of mental health struggle by shedding light on the empowering truth."
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Darlene Ouimet




I had the honor of being a guest blogger for Emerging From Broken. The topics were about religion and abuse (with 92 comments) as well as feelings and abuse (with 92 comments).The most beneficial aspect of Emerging From Broken comes through the interactive platform: readers feel free to comment, and Darlene Ouimet and other readers respond and share. It's like an online peer-to-peer group with consistent support on a multitude of topics.

Cheers to Darlene Ouimet for providing an honest, helpful, and hopeful site for survivors!

Tolson 4 TEARS Cheers Emerging From Broken

Congratulations to Darlene Ouimet , certified life coach and mental health advocate, for publishing the blog Emerging From Broken. Darlene Ouimet, offers "a message of hope for recovery from depression and abuse, and for living in fullness." 




Written by Darlene Ouimet, the mission of Emerging From Broken is 




"To inspire hope for healing, wholeness, recovery and freedom to all who struggle with mental health issues such as mild or chronic depression, dissociative identity disorder or multiple personality, child sexual abuse, psychological abuse or abuse of any kind."




Darlene says, "I am excited to offer a message that is unique, sharing the missing puzzle pieces I have found that many others are seeking to find. I am a passionate advocate of emotional, mental and psychological health. This is a place of inspiration and connection where I share my journey and we share our journey with all other seekers, learning and growing together. I welcome feedback, insight and viewpoints from your own personal journeys."




"Emerging from Broken offers unique insight exposing the lies at the root of depression, sexual abuse, and all types of mental health struggle by shedding light on the empowering truth."



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Darlene Ouimet








I had the honor of being a guest blogger for Emerging From Broken. The topics were about religion and abuse (with 92 comments) as well as feelings and abuse (with 92 comments).

The most beneficial aspect of Emerging From Broken comes through the interactive platform: readers feel free to comment, and Darlene Ouimet and other readers respond and share. It's like an online peer-to-peer group with consistent support on a multitude of topics.




Cheers to Darlene Ouimet for providing an honest, helpful, and hopeful site for survivors!

Tolson 4 TEARS Cheers Book "Beyond Survivor"

Congratulations to Jan Frayne for publishing his poetry in the book Beyond Survivor: Rising From the Ashes of Childhood Sexual Abuse. 




"As one of the rare published novels from a Male Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivor, Mr. Frayne allows his readers to feel the depth of shattered mind, body and soul through the medium of poetry and prose."




Jan Frayne says "I am 44, married and a proud Welshman. I am a male survivor of Childhood Sexual Abuse. I write poetry and prose and campaign for better awareness of Childhood Sexual Abuse issues, especially surrounding male survivors."




Statistics state that 1 in 5 men will experience sexual abuse, many before they are 18. You can read Mr. Frayne's prolific and poignant poetry about his experience in this new book. You can also go to Frayne's "Wounded Warrior" blog. Twitter @Beyond_Survivor






If I Died



If I died tonight,

Would you hold my hand

Would you stay beside me

And walk me from this land



Put your arms around me

And never let me go

Share with me your strength

For I have none of my own



The pain is too much to bear

I can't seem to carry on

My heart now lies shattered

The dreams are now all gone



The feelings were always buried

Deep inside my soul

Slowly they destroyed me

Because I wouldn't let them show



Now I lay here resting

My time on Earth is done

Nothing left to fight for

No where left to run



Put your hand in mine

As I take my final breath

My soul has at last found peace

There awaiting me in Death



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Tolson 4 TEARS Cheers Poem On Trust

In Beyond the Tears: A True Survivor's Story, I write about trust and betrayal. I wondered, If I can't trust those who were in positions to protect me, who can I trust? I learned that as I developed self-awareness, I could attract appropriate, trustworthy people into my life. Self-awareness allows you to be conscious of your feelings. The better able you are to determine your own emotions, the better able you will be to discern the motives of others. This poem about explores the concept of trust and betrayal.



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This poem, titled "Trust" by Lori R. Lopez

offers a poignant interpretation:



















Like cupping a fragile frightened creature



In the shelter of your palm



Trust should be treated with such care



Its heartbeat guarded from every qualm.










It is not a right and cannot be seized



It bears no gleam and cannot be stored



It is something free, which must be earned



Availed in friendship, through accord.










A tiny flame protected from wind



That must be kindled, safely fanned



That can warm you with its steady blaze



Or be smothered by scattered sand.










The lack of trust resembles climbing



A mountain clinging to a thread



Without it there's no chance of peace



No stable ground on which to tread.










Mere words can plunge to heart as deep



As the point of any blade



The edge of what is spoken



May cut sharper than the page.










Faith will die without respect



If harshly handled or deceived



As Life itself must be preserved



Trust fails when disbelieved.










It is the core of any family



The root of every nation



The navigation of a flock



A religion's strong foundation.










Trust lies in justice



And requires staunch defense



Like truth, it must flow both ways



Or be smithered by pretense.










Through wicked deeds and careless acts



Once given, loyalty can be lost



Some fences shorn cannot be mended



There comes a point that cannot be crossed.










Betrayal rarely is provoked



Its dagger blindly thrust



Forsaking kinship, breaking promises —



Be ever cautious with your trust.




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Lori R. Lopez





You can follow Lori's blog called Poetic Reflections and follow her on Twitter  or Facebook

Tolson 4 TEARS: "I Tell My Truth"

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The " I Tell My Truth " blog asked for a guest blog about "WHY?" Why do I do what I do as a volunteer victim advocate? Here is the answer:





Introduction, by Megan Fitzwater





Lynn C. Tolson is an author, an advocate and an amazing woman. There are so many things I could tell you about Lynn, but most of all I'd like to tell you that she has been an encouraging friend in the most troubling times of my journey. When I have doubted myself, she has helped me see that telling my story is not some insignificant thing. She has shown me that love and light abound in this movement of survivors sharing their stories. She's been a voice that has stood with me since the beginning of my truth-telling journey. I love Lynn because Lynn is a brave and brilliant woman who takes time out of her day to encourage women everywhere with her wonderful words. Here's a little about Lynn's WHY:






Who? What? Why? by  Lynn C. Tolson, advocate and author of Beyond the Tears: A True Survivor’s Story



For nearly twenty years, I engaged in careers in retail, real estate and property management. Every working day left me feeling unfulfilled, as if I was living a false life. My real life began not by changing jobs, but by putting pen to paper in journal writing sessions. Themes emerged regarding the impact of my sexual abuse, drug addiction, and suicide attempts. By using the journal to write about the problems and solutions discussed in my counseling sessions, a story of transformation evolved. My desire to share a message of healing from trauma became too strong to ignore; the book became a mission. I left the corporate environment to write my story about personal yet universal emotional issues. Although journal writing was a cathartic experience, the book was written with the courage to face my fears, with compassion for myself and others, and a conviction to tell the truth.



Sexual assault, addiction, and suicide are unsolved social problems that carry stigmas. The stigmas cast a code of silence that do not solve problems. The result from not speaking about the crime of sexual assault is too often tragic. Thus, there is a need for real stories of recovery. By bringing my dark secrets to light, it is my hope that others who have had similar experiences will know that they are not alone. Readers may explore their own emotions to open lines of communication, eliminate shame, and experience healing. I also hope that my book promotes understanding of the issues that cause individual suffering and plague our society.



I am an ordinary citizen with an overwhelming mission: to confront violence against women and children. Given that sexual assault, including incest, is a social problem, my goals are to bring awareness to the public and to be an advocate for the victims. Using my life experience and social work education, I hope to offer information that will improve the quality of life for survivors. Perhaps the future will hold enough social change to reduce the need for real stories of recovery and sites such as Beyond the Tears: A True Survivor's Story. In the meantime, know that my purpose as Lynn C. Tolson is in my initials: LCT, Learning, Creating, Teaching, to provide empowerment of our minds, bodies, and spirits. May this generation break the silence that surrounds sexual assault and incest so that future generations may live in peace.



I started the Project for TEARS: Telling Everyone About Rape & Suicide. This is my mission: to comfort victims by sharing my story, confront violence by breaking the silence, challenge society via information and action. So no shed tear is wasted.

The reason I volunteer as an advocate is because I have been called. The rewards are intangible and immeasurable; they come as surprise gifts when something I wrote resonates with another, such as this message:



Lynn, you are the voice of so many voiceless women who are victims of abuse. I would not be surprised at the high numbers you've helped that you'll never hear from. Sometimes all a person needs is knowing there is someone who understands what they've gone through in order to take a step towards ending the abuse. You, dear angel, have a calling and you've found it and I hope you never stop reaching out to those who suffer.



What came upon me as evil in the form of abuse I hope to use for good by speaking out. As one heals, so does another…



Comments:



Lori: I agree that Lynn is a "brave and brilliant woman". She has taken time out to encourage me as a poet and to connect with me on a personal level. I'm currently reading her book in small doses due to a busy schedule. Her writing style and skills are quite commendable; her book is informative as well touching. I'm proud to know her as an advocate, but especially as a fellow survivor and friend. Thanks, Lynn!



Tracie: Lynn is SUCH an encourager! For all the years that I have "known" you Lynn, you have blessed my heart and blessed my life. Thank you for all the work that you do...speaking out powerfully for yourself and for those who have yet to find their own voice. You amaze me!

Tolson 4 TEARS Interview on "NABBW" Baby Boomer

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This is an archived interview that appeared on the National Association of Baby Boomer Women operated by Anne Holmes and includes the community forums at Boomer Women Speak.

Baby Boomers Give Voice to Domestic Violence Interview hosted by Dotsie Bregel with author/advocate Lynn C. Tolson.



NABBW: It's time to feature an everyday baby boomer making a difference in the lives of other baby boomer women, and all women. Lynn has been associated with the National Association of Baby Boomer Women since it's inception. I've read her book, Beyond the Tears: A True Survivor's Story , interviewed her for our teleseminars, and enjoy her company in the BWS forums. Her mission is to put an end to domestic violence. Enjoy getting to know her in the interview below.NABBW: Using one paragraph, tell us a bit about yourselfLT: Do you have space for one paragraph of 300 pages? That's the length of my book, Beyond the Tears: A True Survivor's Story . Since my late teens, I'd been told that I should tell my story about surviving my self. Every excuse kept me from writing. When I was forty-eight, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. The doctors told me that if I did not get treatment, I would have six months to two years to live. I had to publish my book if it was the last thing I did! No more excuses! In the last five years, my story has been my life's work, because it has a message of hope and healing. I started the Project for TEARS: Telling Everyone About Rape & Suicide. TEARS exists to comfort victims by telling my story, confront violence by breaking the silence, and challenge society via information and action. So no shed tear is wasted. In my mid-life, I'm all about TEARS, my nickname for the book and the work.NABBW: Tell us about your familyLT: The first thing (but not the only thing) I liked about my husband was his name, Woody. On October 20, 2009, my husband and I celebrated our 21st anniversary. We married at Lake Tahoe. As arranged, a minister walked us up a trail fragrant from pine-cones and dappled with sunlight. I was wearing black satin pumps (with stockings that snagged on a twig) and a silk dress befitting the 1980s, complete with football sized shoulder pads. Woody wore a suit and tie, and his best (only) dress shoes. As we were saying our vows, my ring fell into the dirt. So did his contact lens. As we were squatting and sifting through pine-needles, it occurred to me that we could have worn hiking boots, cargo pants, and rock-concert tee shirts. That scene represents our generation, intertwined with tradition and innovation. My husband and I never had kids. By the time I thought I was emotionally mature enough, it was biologically too late.NABBW: What is your favorite childhood memoryLT: I grew up in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, depending on which parent/step-parent had visitation rights. My favorite place to visit was the Jersey shore. On the boardwalk, the air smelled of caramel popcorn, cotton candy, and salt-water taffy. Atlantic City had beach houses where gambling casinos now stand, and our rental cottage was just a block from the ocean. I craved the white noise of the ocean surf, which drowned out the dreadful shouting of parents' irreconcilable differences.NABBW: What qualities do you have that speak of our generation of women?LT: The generations of women before were silenced, especially pertaining to personal traumatic experiences. My grandmother talked about World War II and her brother's "shell-shock" (he'd been away as a medic) but she could not speak about her own battle as she nursed her black eye from her husband's wayward fist. My mother was silenced by her husband's violence, but others called her shy. I was silenced by witnessing/experiencing domestic violence, but they called me sensitive. Now, women are taking care of them selves. I've learned the qualities of speaking up, speaking out, and speaking my mind for this and future generations.NABBW: What inspires you?LT: The word "speak" comes to mind, as in Boomer Women Speak. I am inspired by the camaraderie in the forums. Where once I was intimidated by the shame and stigma of abuse, I now feel inspired to share. I have been inspired by my cohorts to be real, and that my reality is OK with them. In the open and comfortable arms of women my age, I have been inspired by them to see through the darkness and move into the light.NABBW: What brings you most pleasure in mid-life?LT: My grandmother died this year (with Alzheimer's at age 102.5) and my mother is dying from Alzheimers at age 78. What brings me pleasure pertains to the senses: Young hands holding older hands, palm-to-palm, lifeline-to-lifeline. She experiences the pleasure and expresses it in a sentence shortened by Alzheimer's: "Feels nice." I take pleasure in those touching moments.NABBW: Do you have any interesting hobbies?LT: Cleaning house used to be my main hobby. Fortunately, in mid-life, I've cultivated other hobbies. Reading (is that interesting?) has been a hobby since 3rd grade Nancy Drew mysteries. Now it's non-fiction about real-life drama. I am a fan of Sue William Silverman's memoirs. Painting/collage is a hobby, and I am creating a book with my abstract art to coincide with affirmations/revelations from TEARS.NABBW: Do you travel?LT: My husband and I love to travel in the good old USA. We've traveled from Portland, Maine to Portland, Oregon. We can travel around our neighborhood and be in awe of the scenery and wildlife since we live near the Rocky Mountains with Pike's Peak in view. Whenever possible, we travel with our two adorable but rambunctious West Highland White Terriers.NABBW: Do you practice preventive medicine?LT: I consider massage therapy as preventive medicine because it soothes the body and the mind. After the trauma of domestic violence, my body could no longer discern between a hard hit and a warm hug. Massage was a healing element after abuse, as it trained my body to receive gentle touch.I consider walking/hiking/yoga as preventive activities. Between my first and second surgeries for breast cancer, I did water exercise. I recovered more quickly after the second surgery because my body had been strengthend. I don't take vitamins. I do take pharmaceuticals that have been beneficial in treating the depression that often results from an abusive childhood, even after the abuse has ended. The best intervention medicine comes from the entertainment of my pets!NABBW: What do you stress about?LT: I stress about money! I've worked for domestic violence and sexual abuse awareness without an income for five years. I've delivered speeches to shelters and consulted confidentially with victims as a volunteer advocate.NABBW: Is it important for you to retain your youthful looks?LT: Yes, looking healthy and being attractive is important. On my grandmother's 100th birthday, she rubbed her chin and said, "I have a whisker." I plucked it for her, knowing that I will be as concerned as her, even at that age. I've had bi-lateral mastectomies due to cancer, and reconstructive surgeries. Considering the pain I went through, I don't even want a tattoo! I do enjoy the lotions and potions used for skin care, and I would not mind micro-dermabrasion to remove the sun-spots acquired at the beach.NABBW: Have you re-invented yourself?LT: I am constantly re-inventing myself in emotional, physical, and spiritual areas. Women who experience domestic violence may lose their sense of self. Often, re-invention means returning to the women they were meant to be before abuse. We were not meant to operate in fear; we are destined to give and receive love. That is what re-invention means to me. For me, every invention retains one common characteristic, and that is my intense personality. I'd like to re-invent myself to include a sense of humor! NABBW: Do you plan to retire?LT: Given that my self-styled job is to confront violence against women and children, I unfortunately don't see a chance of retirement, unless/until we experience peace in our homes. I want my husband to retire, but since he has to support me in my ever-evolving endeavors, retirement for him does not seem likely. He does buy lottery tickets!NABBW: Do you engage in any faith based practices?LT: My core faith-based practices include The Lord's Prayer and The Golden Rule. I also use active meditations, such as walking and writing, to have my private conversations with God.NABBW: Can you pinpoint major turning points in your life that led to your life's work/play at midlife?LT: This is intense, but more common than women know. In my forties, I had a series of frightening memories and debilitating migraines that literally brought me to my knees, sobbing in the shower. Since my sanity had always been in question, I thought, "This is it. I've really gone insane." The grace of God led me to a therapist who diagnosed PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) related to witnessing and experiencing domestic violence in childhood, and beyond. Thus began another phase of my healing journey. What is common amongst mid-life women who have been abused is this: When the children have moved out and/or when the careers wind down, women may begin to remember what they've put in the back of their mind for decades. They may not experience symptoms of PTSD yet they may experience depression and/or anxiety. Mid-life women tell me, "I thought I was having a nervous break-down!" Yet, with help, this period may lead to a break-through, with safety and sanity the ultimate gift. Leading women on the path to hope and healing became my life's work.While telling my secrets in that round of therapy, I decided to reveal the secret artist within. I'd been a shadow artist all my life, admiring others' work. In mid-life, I chose to spend less time artfully cleaning my house, and more time creating watercolor paintings and mixed-media collages.NABBW: Do you still have unfulfilled dreams, and are you doing anything to accomplish them?LT: It may be in my genes to live to be one-hundred, so I may have half a life left. I have dreams of writing, dreams of romance (but not writing romance novels), [maybe if my husband retires he'll be more romantic?] dreams of riches (to feed me in old age) and dreams of rewards for working a worthy cause (every email from an encouragd woman enriches me).NABBW: Who has had the biggest influence on your life and why?

LT: It is not anyone you know, like Oprah, or expect, like a relative or teacher. The biggest influences on my life has been my therapists. I've had two therapists, coincidentally both named Karen, and they have influenced me toward a love-of-life perspective. They both influenced me to a concept of God as a fiercly loving father, rather than a force to fear. I am influenced by my boomer women cohorts, who offer a sincere concern for one another and the world at large.NABBW: If you were to have a personal mission statement, what would it be? Feel free to be as serious or fun as you choose.LT: As stated earlier, I am a very serious person. So here is my very serious mission statement: to write, relate, and inspire the recovery of the spirit in personal creative development.

Tolson 4 TEARS on Surviving Abuse

What is it like to be a survivor of child abuse? How does a victim L-I-V-E after being in the heavy cauldron of verbal, emotional, mental, physical, psychological, religious, and sexual abuse? The steam of putrid abuse is so hot it burns the skin and melts the mind into a pile of lifeless ashes. How does a child teach him/herself to rise up and carry on after being sexually assaulted by family members or other trusted adults?





What if the mix of nature versus nurture or neglect is toxic, like poison boiling over, and the family that was supposed to protect her is spewing witch's stews of evil? There is no life juice; to L-I-V-E daily in that environment is like drinking from a bottle with a skull and crossbones on it, taunting, teasing, tempting suicide as a remedy. She doesn't live; she exists in a context where she is scared-to-death of the world at large.





Surviving means standing over the cauldron with a big stick of strength, stirring the pot despite the acrid fumes that choke the breath. It takes mighty courage to dredge up the heavy dark scum. Recovering means turning the brew upside down and inside out to see it for what it is: LIES! The ladle is heavy with betrayal and deceit. Stir the pot, sift through the garbage and discard the vile crud that drained your power!





When truth and clarity come into focus, your healing can begin. Take back your power by straining your truth from their lies.





Thriving means educating, empowering, and enlightening your S-E-L-F. You were designed to L-I-V-E. You were created to breathe in the fragrance of connection, to cultivate clarity of thought, to sow seeds of integrity, to reap relationships of L-O-V-E. To thrive means to embrace a love-of-life perspective.







I have laughed, lived, loved and lost. I have cried, mourned, and grieved hoped, prayed and healed. I have found strength and true beauty.  I am a SURVIVOR

Tolson 4 TEARS Cheers Blue Ribbon Campaign 4 Awareness

The BLUE RIBBON is the

recognized symbol for

Child Abuse Awareness

-----------------------------



LACP / NAASCA's

Internet-based talk radio"Community Matters" This Week and "Stop Child Abuse Now" (SCAN) shows are now on the air LIVE ..

6 nights a week !!

SHOW TONIGHT:




Special air time this week:

WE'RE ON THE AIR LIVE, Sun, 7pm EST / 4pm PAC

Please join us for our LIVE show from the "Army of Angels" launching of April as National Child Abuse Awareness Month. Special guests and celebrities will join the GALA event !



We'd love to have you call our dedicated phone line:

(646) 595-2118







-----------------------------



 NEW !!!

 Join our new

 FACEBOOK cause



"Stop Child Abuse Now"

(SCAN)  - recommend us



-----------------------------



Now you can call us directly for info, direction, or help:



~~~ LACP & NAASCA ~~~





-----------------------------



Regarding NAASCA

I'm willing and eager to travel anywhere in the country to speak to groups about my experiences, and more importantly about my recovery. I want to educate the public about the issues of child abuse, and will happily offer to honestly answer and all questions.



Media and individuals should feel free to contact me at the email address you'll find below (please add NAASCA to the subject line). We'd love to know what you think of our new efforts. Your comments will help guide us as we grow.



And, as noted earlier, I'll gladly make personal appearances anywhere in the country, and give media interviews.



NOTE: My story was first told

on Episode #63, recorded in October 2009, now a special FEATURED SHOW , It was the first time I publicly spoke of my experiences and of my over 25 years of recovery from severe child abuse.

Help us help you ..

Feel free to write to me at

Bmurray3rd@aol.com with

your ideas and comments

about how we can better

accommodate the need to

Stop Child Abuse !!!



-----------------------------



PLEASE .. forward this email to your friends and ask them to sign up for our email list !!



-----------------------------LACP / NAASCA launch Blue Ribbon Campaign

for April - National Child Abuse Awareness Month

SUNDAY, April 1, 2012

Dear friends:



Make yours a  BLUE RIBBON NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

The National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse (NAASCA.org) and LA Community Policing (LACP.org), our two sister organizations, have come together to launch a new  Blue Ribbon Neighborhood Watch Campaign  .. and are asking everyone in the nation to wear the symbol of awareness of child abuse in the month of April.



Why April?



Now in it's 29th year, the month was originally set aside by proclamation in 1983 during the Presidency of Ronald Reagan as a way of raising awareness for the issues of child abuse in America.



The Blue Ribbon that's associated with child abuse (much as pink ribbons are associated with breast cancer) was first established in 1989, yet few are aware of it even today.To us it seems the country is just now starting to talk more seriously about these issues, learning to put aside the taboo of discussing such things as childhood sexuality in favor of saving our kids.



And that's a first step ..



Make yours a Blue Ribbon Neighborhood Watch group



NAASCA / LACP - Ready to help?  Go Directly To ORDER PAGE

One of the premiere community-based policing programs is the neighborhood watch group, sometimes referred to as the community watch, and our children are among our most vulnerable residents.



Inexpensive and easy to support, and extremely effective, most police departments who understand the philosophy of community policing help to sponsor such meetings, often held monthly. The partnerships that result from such encounters frequently result in less crime and a reduction in the fear of crime, and they tend to raise the quality of life.



Yet few neighborhood watch groups, formed for the reason of fostering local public safety, ever consider a serious discussion of child abuse prevention, intervention and recovery.

CLICK HERE to see the statistics of the abused.

We want to designate any group that deals with public safety, like a Neighborhood Watch, a church group, a community safety group, a neighborhood improvement association, a Kiwanis or Lion's Club, the Boy and Girl Scout Troops, a club in a school, hospital or public health groups, city halls and other non profit activist groups .. in short, anywhere public safety is an issue .. as a Blue Ribbon Group .. if they are willing to discuss child abuse at least ONE TIME A YEAR as part of their monthly meeting agenda.



The statistics show our children (America's TRUE treasure) are being sacrificed to childhood sexual abuse, severe violence, emotional trauma and neglect at an alarming rate.



The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates conservatively that 50% of our kids will be effected by one of these types of child abuse before that are 18 years old !!



We want to change that .. and we're asking for your help.



We're asking neighborhood watch groups and all other public safety groups around the nation to participate!





To us it seems logical that our two organizations, one devoted to public safety and the other to the safety of our kids should be the vehicle for this unique proposal.



The idea's a simple one ..



We want to designate any meeting that's willing to spend at least a portion of their time in just one meeting a year (if it can be APRIL, Child Abuse Awareness Month, all the better) to discussing the topic of protecting our children from child abuse as a  Blue Ribbon Neighborhood Watch  group .. and we'll send you all the supplies you'll need.

Few realize how many of our children, the most vulnerable and weakest among us and our true national treasure, are subjected to criminals who stalk, abuse, kidnap, traffic and kill our kids.

We've got to do all we can to raise awareness .. and end abuse!



Please .. join us.

Yours in service,



Bill Murray

Bmurray3rd@aol.com



National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abusewww.NAASCA.org



Los Angeles Community Policingwww.LACP.org



"Stop Child Abuse Now" (SCAN)FACEBOOK cause