© (2007) By Bob Russel and Vicki Polin
If you are a survivors of
childhood sexual abuse who is considering to provide testimony at
legislative hearings please be aware of some the risks you may endure.
Please note that it is NOT mandatory that you sign the statement to
testify, it is simply a request that you read and fully understand the
risks involved in taking an active role in this legislative process.
In the past survivors who testified, shared a common experience -- the
feeling of DEVASTATION, was moderate to severe. While providing
testimony to make laws better is just and noble, yet it is also
important to be aware of the risks. We all need to have support people
in which we can debrief with immediately afterwards and the weeks or
months afterwards. Doing so can help elevate the degree of devastation
we may experience.
In
an effort to warn each and every person who is considering providing
testimony, it is suggested that you read and accept the statement below
before agreeing to testify. The choice is totally yours and there is no
expectation for you to publicly take a stand. There is the requirement
that you put your own personal needs first. It is vitally important for
you to take care of yourself!
- I acknowledge that I or someone that I love was sexually abused, as a child.
-
I acknowledge that significant to severe trauma resulted because of
that abuse (to myself or my family member, friend, etc.).
- My intention is to bring public awareness and attention to what has happened in the past.
-
I believe that by speaking publicly, my testimony will enable me to
seek some level of justice for my own personal victimization that I
experienced as a child and endured over a lifetime (or that of
someone I love).
- I understand that providing testimony could result in me feeling re-traumatized/victimized.
-
I understand that there are very powerful opponents to this
legislation that have significant influence on legislators in
stealth like manner.
- I
understand that no matter how wrong I feel they are, they still wield
influence that is secretive, very well financed and have been
historically successful in killing legislation to right this wrong
and to protect future generations of children. I understand this is
at the expense of current and future generations of children as well
as the re victimization of myself as a survivor.
- I UNDERSTAND AND ACCEPT THE PERSONAL RISKS of feeling overwhelmed by sharing my abuse experiences.
- I understand that I may feel angry, sad, depressed and re-victimized should this proposed legislation not pass.
-
I agree to have safe people in place to debrief with immediately
after providing my testimony and for the months to come. These safe
people can include other survivors, family members, friends and or a
therapist.
- Above all else, I agree to put my own well being first.
With this understanding I still wish to testify in hopes of seeking
justice for what happened to me as a child (or my loved one) and most
important to ensure that I do what I can to protect future innocent
children from harm in the future.
_____________________________________________________
Signature
___________________________________
Date
___________________________________________________________________________________
Bob Russell is the coordinator of SNAP of Maryland
Vicki Polin is the founder and director of The Awareness Center
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