Documentary about Effectively Addressing Child Sexual Abuse

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.survivormanual.com/2011/01/documentary-about-effectively-addressing-child-sexual-abuse/

 

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Two years ago I became an advocate for my niece after learning she was sexually abused. In my search to find healing and available resources for her, I spoke to many people including social workers, child protective services, police officers, teachers, therapists and child advocates.

This experience pushed me to find the resources and answers needed to address child sexual abuse(CSA) and along the way led me to ask more questions.

In my search I found extraordinary people dedicated to ending CSA.  These individuals and organizations provided awareness, insight on policies that need to change, prevention, and healing techniques, along with workshops that were completely new approaches in addressing CSA.  Also, I learned new ways for officials to approach and identify children who are being sexually abused and new techniques for them to treat the trauma.

As a filmmaker, I was immediately inspired to create a film that addresses the issues surrounding the state and the specific policies that need to change to move forward, healing from CSA, the impact child sexual abuse has on emotional health, and highlight the extraordinary non-profit organizations and individuals dedicated to ending child sexual abuse. The film interweaves personal stories and expert testimonials that will provide a blueprint for how to address and prevent CSA. The website for the film is coming soon.

The film is part of a multimedia project that will feature a website with resources, comments from the community and profound stories. My team and I will also create a traveling exhibit to be installed in museums.

The inspiration came from advocating for my niece, but also from my many friends who have shared their stories of unbelievable strength. I will be sharing my experience on future blogs. Feel free to send any comments and follow me on twitter at http://twitter.com/traceyquezada.

Love,

Tracey Quezada

Producer, Writer, Director

http://www.traceyquezadaproductions.com/work-in-progress.html

New York : Film about healing from Child Sexual Abuse

http://www.survivormanual.com/2011/02/hello-new-york-film-about-healing-from-child-sexual-abuse/

The making of this film has introduced me to amazing advocates all over the United States that are dedicated to ending child sexual abuse. I’m now planning my trip to New York to interview some of the extraordinary people I met.

These individuals and organizations are working to build change at the community level, increase knowledge of both prevention and healing techniques, spread awareness of specific policy changes that are needed, and host workshops that offer completely new approaches for addressing CSA.

I will be interviewing Dr. Patti Feuereisen a psychologist in Manhattan. Dr. Patti authored the book, Invisible Girls: The Truth About Sexual Abuse. This groundbreaking book lets girls know all over the world that sex abuse is never the survivors’ fault. Invisible Girls teaches girls everywhere that they can heal and thrive after sexual abuse. In 2006 Dr. Patti founded the only organization to honor incest survivors through scholarships.

I will also interview Angela Shelton actress, filmmaker, author, activist and public speaker. She has lectured extensively everywhere from Congress, college campuses, military and Air Force bases, high schools, elementary schools, community centers, conferences and seminars about moving forward as it relates to sexual abuse. Angela has also helped raise millions for non-profits ending the cycle of violence.

I’m overwhelmed with joy, love and admiration for each person. The weekend that I will be in NY I will also attend Secret Survivors (www.secretsurvivors.org) an interview-based theater project featuring adult survivors of child sexual abuse telling their personal stories on stage.  I will interview Amita Swadhin, who is the Project Coordinator for the Secret Survivors performance and works to bring awareness and prevention at the community level and nationally.

I will also be interviewing a representative at the MS. Foundation. The MS. Foundation has done a  lot of nationally recognized work within communities to end child sexual abuse.

After production ends in NY it is back to the editing room for a revised trailer. I will keep you posted and share with you the re-cut trailer upon completion. I’m looking forward to it.

Also exciting news, since my last blog post I have received generous donations from individuals and private foundations.  The support is much appreciated. You can view the rough cut of the trailer at http://www.traceyquezadaproductions.com/work-in-progress.html.

Thank you for your support and interest. Follow me on twitter to keep updatedhttp://twitter.com/traceyquezada.

Warmly,

Tracey Quezada

http://www.traceyquezadaproductions.com/work-in-progress.html

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Article by Tracey Quezada

Tracey has over nine years of professional experience in video, television, multimedia marketing and the non-profit sector. As an independent video producer Tracey has produced and directed promotional videos, a television series and her current film. Recent clients include the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, Community Bridge Video, Patch and Global Fund for Women. From 2004-2006 Tracey worked at KUFW a radio station founded by civil rights activist Cesar Chavez. Tracey educated under served communities in the central valley on immigration rights, college funding, health and working conditions. It was there, at KUFW radio station where she learned her skill and passion for sharing profound stories. From 2006-2007 she was the Executive Assistant at New America Media the first ethnically diverse news organization in the world to report on issues and educational topics globally in multiple languages. She is an experienced researcher, story developer, director, editor, producer and host with field and studio experience. She has produced and directed promotional videos and successfully implements multimedia marketing for sponsors, non-profit organizations and local businesses. She currently lives and works in Berkeley CA, where she serves on the screening committee for the San Francisco Women Film Festival.

Almost all survivors will have nightmares while healing. -How to help your survivor partner during nightmares.

“My survivor partner suffers from nightmares. I feel helpless. What can I do to help?”

http://www.survivormanual.com/2007/12/my-survivor-partner-suffers-from-nightmares-i-feel-helpless-what-can-i-do-to-help/

Nightmares by definition are scary. It is much worse if you are confronting painful things from your past within your dreams. Nightmares are equally as frightening if you are a partner of a survivor watching your loved one suffer. I remember one sleepless night that I ended up in tears because I couldn’t wake my partner from what seemed to be an awful nightmare. I felt helpless.

Almost all survivors will have nightmares while healing. In fact, the nightmares will probably go away and come back many times. Typically, they will become the most extreme when they are dealing with self-blame or any sort of inner child work. There are some things that you can do to help or that you can mention to your partner so they can help themselves.

• Encourage your partner to go to bed when they are sleepy. Laying awake for hours before sleeping will not be relaxing especially if they stay up alone.
• Leaving a light on in the bedroom will help remind them where they are when they wake up.
• Avoid bulky bedding or anything that causes static electricity.
• Drinking warm milk or cocoa before bed is relaxing. Of course, avoiding caffeine is helpful.
• Keeping the house cooler reduces how active the brain is during sleeping. ( This was the most helpful thing that I have ever been able to contribute)
• Soothing music helps if it is played at a low volume. Be careful not to leave a radio station on that eventually switches to news programs. This can be a trigger for some survivors. White noise such as a fan is also an option.
• Sleeping with a stuffed animal helps a lot of survivors. This goes back to comforting the inner child. If your partner is thinking of getting a stuffed animal don’t laugh or judge them. Often this can be just the thing that turns sleepless nights full of worry into a full nights rest.

Some survivors are able to talk about what they dreamt after they are awake. If your partner shares this with you…just listen. Talking about them takes away their power. You ARE helping just by listening.

PARTNERS OF SURIVORS

“Slaying the Dragon” – Breaking Old Patterns- (good read)

http://www.survivormanual.com/2010/03/slaying-the-dragon/

Slaying the dragon can be daunting, but Alice did it.  Slaying the dragon  can also be a metaphor for quitting a habit or leaving an abusive situation in your work or home life.  Slaying the dragon is like being pierced with the sword, removing it and using it. To do that, you must go through the first step of acknowledging the issue.  It can be depressing to recognize an abusive situation.  So many times we want to make excuses and justify the behavior of an abuser because we may want to take care of them.  We want to help them.  We want to fix it for them.  Or we may simply not be able to acknowledge that the person we knew or thought we knew is an abuser. You may think you’re crazy.  Many abusers set up systems to make you think you’re nuts.  They can be incredibly charming and sweet to others, and in public, and only demonic when they are alone with you.

The good news is that you get better and better at seeing patterns of abuse in people as you grow through these steps.  Leaving an first abusive situation may be the hardest thing you ever do in your life – especially if the abuser is yourself!  But once you do that, you will begin to see more clearly and stand up for yourself in all areas of your life.  When you see an abuser begin to use tactics on you at work for example, you will know it is time to leave.  When you see the first signs of controlling behavior on the first date, it’s time to not be available for a second one.  You get better at listening to your intuition and how your body sends you warning signals like that gut feeling or that sixth sense.

Sometimes you’re in a relationship with someone at home or work who is wounded and not healed.  Once you’ve been through your own healing, it is easier to recognize the painful patterns others are playing out.  It also gets easier to not get into the drama dance with them.  You have every right to protect yourself.  Sometimes if you love something or someone you have to leave if they are stuck in their pain body as Eckart Tolle calls is.

Many times those who have been through trauma tend to become caretakers.  They can spend a lot of time trying to pull someone out of their patterns while that person is trying to pull them right into the center of the problem.  At some point, you need to bless the wounded and leave the abusive situation.

People have to work out their own lives.  The best thing you can do is to be an example of healing and joy and not allow abuse, violence and harm into your life.  Breathing calmly and not getting into someone’s cycle with them is also slaying the dragon. You have the right to be loved, respected and cared for.  You have the right to leave.

This year’s Domestic Violence Counts: National Census of Domestic Violence Services will occur on September 15, 2011.

http://www.nnedv.org/docs/Census/DVCounts2011/NNEDV_Census2011_Info.pdf

Will You Count?

This year’s Domestic Violence Counts: National Census of Domestic Violence Services will occur on September 15, 2011.

In 2010, 1,743 – or 91% – of all identified domestic violence programs participated in the annual census.  The census collects an unduplicated, non-invasive count of adults and children who receive critical services from local domestic violence programs during a single 24-hour period.  In addition to showcasing the incredible, life-saving work that local domestic violence programs do every day, the census report is instrumental in our efforts to raise awareness and increase federal funding for domestic violence services.

Domestic Violence Counts

2011

Census Day: September 15, 2011, 8:00 a.m. ET – September 16, 2011, 7:59 a.m. ET

If you haven’t been receiving emails about the census, email census@nnedv.org to sign up.

If you’re new to the census, we invite you to join us for Informational Conference Calls on September 7th & 13th, 2011 at 3:00 pm ET. To register for these calls, go to http://www.nnedv.org/censuscalls. Participation in these conference calls are NOT required to participate in the actual Census count on September 15, 2011.

Next Steps

•Identify who will be responsible for collecting the information, who will enter the information online and mark your calendars for September 15, 2011.

•Watch your email for announcements and information (including a copy of the data collection form) in the coming weeks.

•Questions? Email census@nnedv.org or call 443-650-8588.

• Get more information about participating in the census
• Download the survey packet

ATSA’s 30th Annual Conference November 2 – 5, 2011 Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel Toronto, Ontario, Canada

ATSA’s 30th Annual Conference

http://atsa.com/conf.html

Milestones: Past • Present • Future

November 2 – 5, 2011
Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Conference Program Co-Chairs

Franca Cortoni, Ph.D., C.Psych.
Anton Schweighofer, Ph.D. 

The 30th Annual Research and Treatment Conference sponsored by the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers will be held at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, November 2 through 5, 2011.

This conference will offer symposia, workshop presentations, poster sessions, discussion groups, and advanced clinics relating to issues in both victim and perpetrator research and treatment. Each presentation will provide information and training based on cutting edge research development and clinical application. The format is designed to best facilitate interaction with and learning from some of the most advanced practitioners in the field of sexual abuse. All sessions, with the exception of posters, have been approved for Continuing Education credits.

In addition to the three-day Conference schedule, ATSA will offer a selection of intensive half- and/or full-day Pre-Conference Clinics. These Clinics are designed to provide participants with extensive training and skills enhancement.

Download your Conference Registration Brochure here (3 MB). 

Or, if you prefer to receive a hard copy of the Conference Registration Brochure via mail, click here.

Hotel Information

ATSA Headquarters hotel for the conference is the:

Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
123 Queen Street West
Toronto, Ontario M5H 2M9
Canada

Phone: (888) 627-7175

Online reservations (will open a new window)

The Sheraton Centre Toronto has reserved a block of rooms for ATSA conference attendees and exhibitors. To ensure you receive the conference rate of $205.00 CAD, plus tax, you must reserve your room before October 1, 2011 (subject to availability). To reserve online, visit the Sheraton Centre Toronto’s reservation website. To reserve by phone, please call the Sheraton Centre Toronto at (888) 627-7175 and identify that you are attending the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers’ (ATSA) conference. 

A small number of government rate rooms are available. To reserve a government rate room online, visit the government rate reservation website. If you call to reserve a government rate room by phone, specify that you are attending the ATSA conference, and are requesting the government employee room rate.

View current exchange rates. (will open a new window)

Click on the image below to book your Airport Express Shuttle service between the airport and the conference hotel.
A Group ID number is not needed to book your shuttle.

Sponsor/Exhibitor Information

ATSA is pleased to be able to offer an opportunity for sponsors/exhibitors to showcase their services and products to our conference attendees. If you are interested in being a part of the conference, please see the exhibitor information packet below.