Just For Fun: Healing through Movement

Just For Fun:  Healing through Movement

Honoring Jim Hopper

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Honoring Jim Hopper, PhD

Jim Hopper is a highly respected clinical psychologist, researcher and forensic consultant who has dedicated his life to helping survivors of child abuse for the last twenty years.  

Jim has intensively studied the psychological and biological aspects of trauma and addiction and their treatment. He provides training on the neurobiology of sexual assault and traumatic memories for victim advocates, investigators and prosecutors in the military and civilian agencies in states around the U.S.

Dr. Hopper was a founding board member of "1 in 6", a non-profit organization dedicated to helping men who've had unwanted or abusive sexual experiences as boys live happier, healthier lives, and since 2010 has been a board member of the organization "Stop It Now!  

In the mid 1990s Jim developed an amazing web page which includes all sorts of information in hopes of educating the public about child abuse, and he wrote most of the content on 1in6.org, a comprehensive website that also showcases Jim's sensitive use of language when reaching out to men who have had unwanted or abusive sexual experiences.

Honoring Beverly Engel

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Honoring Beverly Engel

Beverly Engel has been a psychotherapist specializing in working survivors of sexual abuse and women's issues for over thirty years. She is the author of over twenty self-help books and has been a keynote speaker at conferences in the United States and Canada.  

Honoring Toni Cavanagh Johnson

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Honoring Toni Cavanagh Johnson

Toni Cavanagh Johnson has been involved in the anti-rape movement for over thirty years, working primarily with children who were abused, along with working with sexually reactive youth and juvenile sex offenders.

Throughout her career, Toni has written numerous books, articles and pamphlets, along with developing three therapeutic games, and has written book chapters on children with sexual behavior problems and child sexual abuse. 

Adult Survivors of Child Abuse: Finding Family

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Adult Survivors of Child Abuse:  Finding Family 

This Too Will Pass –– A song for healing!

This too will pass
Music by Peter Himmelman

Photography by Vicki Polin

There's times we all get overwhelmed with all sorts of things that happen in our lives.  The following song many survivors have shared that they play over and over again to help them while they are experiencing symptoms of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).

Sex Crimes: Survivors of Pogroms and the Holocaust

Sex Crimes: Survivors of Pogroms and the Holocaust

Women and children used as part of human trafficking ring by the Nazi at several Concentration Camp

This page is dedicated to those who were victimized by the Nazi's and who were also victims of sex crimes as part of the torture perpetrated against them.

If you have information about this topic and would like to share it, please send the information to: VickiPolin @ aol.com

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Table of Contents:

Articles:

1. Case of the Girls who were raped by Cossacks in Shidlowiez, Russia (02/05/1915)
2. Kristallnach and Sexual Abuse (11/09/1938)
3. Case of the Ninety-Three Daughters of Israel  (08/11/1942)
4. Dance: 'Incest' At Eden's Expressway  (04/20/1987)
5. Surviving Incest in a Holocaust Family  (01/01/1993)
6. The Unremembered: Searching for Women at the Holocaust Memorial Museum   (01/01/1993)
7. No folds barred  (03/13/2006)
8. Out of the Darkness: The Story of Dr. Simonne Levi-Jameson (06/08/2007)
9. Rachel Shtibel's story of horror during the war is one of six published by Azrieli Foundation (11/22/2007)

Research:

1. The effects of multiple trauma: An exploratory study of daughters of Jewish Holocaust survivors who themselves experienced childhood physical and/or sexual abuse (12/01/1998)
2. Holocaust child survivors and child sexual abuse  (04/01/2005)
3. Study: Molestation strongest Holocaust trauma (01/26/2006)

 Videos:

1. The Brothel in Auschwitz III 
2. Sex Slavery in Nazi Germany

Two women who were forced into prostitution at Mauthhause

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FAIR USE NOTICE 

 

Some of the information on The Awareness Center's web pages may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues, etc. 

 

We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. 

 

For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml . If you wish to use copyrighted material from this update for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner. 

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Helping The Awareness Center Help Others!

Dear Friends,

The Awareness Center has had the honor of working with Jewish survivors of sexual violence everyday.  Often when survivors first call us they are barely able to utter the words "I was sexually abuse or assaulted".  We help these survivors to find their first therapist and or help them find legal resources so that they can begin their healing journey.  It's incredibly valuable and rewarding work.

Survivors choose their own path, making the brave decision to tell a friend, parent or spouse that they were a victim of a sex crime.  Admitting what happened is not easy task. The fear of being shamed or blamed for what happened to them is incredibly intense no matter what age they are.  One of the most important aspects of The Awareness Center is helping survivors find others who are also survivors.  It helps them to know that they are NOT alone.

As survivors begin to heal some become more active within our organization.  Some quietly help new survivors through difficult times. In past years some survivors have helped out by stuffing envelopes or helping to develop our mailing list.  And throughout the years a few survivors started to speak out publicly and write letters to the editors of newspapers, sharing their stories.

But no matter how each of us choose to overcome our trauma, all survivors are heroes.

At some point in their healing, survivors realize this is about more then just their own healing and or exposing their predator.  It's about protecting the next generation.  It's about protecting children.  It's about changing how our communities treat the innocent and vulnerable -- kids who live in fear, children of today who are afraid to go to sleep at night, children who are crying out for help.

That's why The Awareness Center is so critical.  Day in and out, we work tirelessly to heal the wounded, protect the vulnerable, and expose offenders and those who cover up sex crimes.

Many charities have people that believe in their cause but survivors are different.  We do not just believe in the cause, we live it.  We do whatever it takes to expose sexual predators as a way to keep our children and unsuspecting adults safe.

Just last month we heard about a father who has been molesting his children.  The father was someone with a great deal of political clout.  Not only are we making sure the adult survivor who called us get the help needed, we are helping the entire family deal with the molestation.  Hotline reports were made.  We contacted the mother and got her involved in a domestic violence program. We also made sure that the younger siblings were in counseling with highly trained mental health professionals who specialize in working with child sexual abuse.  We also helped the offending father find a treatment program.

Today we are asking for your help to keep The Awareness Center moving forward.  When you donate to The Awareness Center, you are not just helping one survivor to heal, you are also helping Jewish communities around the world.  This is not some abstract concept.  It's the truth!

Your donation will make a difference.  It will ensure that our website will continue to be a resource for survivors, families and supporters.  It will ensure the phone will be answered every day. It will ensure that a sex offender will continued to be “outed” and our community members will be warned.  A donation will help us put the secrets of sexual violence and cover up into the public eye so that reforms will happen and lives will be spared.

All donations are tax deductible and can be made either on-line through our website or by sending a check or money order to The Awareness Center.  WE NEED YOUR HELP TODAY!

We are honored by your presence in The Awareness Center and blessed by your generosity.  Your end of year donation will make a difference in the lives of many innocent and vulnerable people who have come forward or are waiting for someone to reach out to them.  Thank you for your help and support!

Sincerely,
Vicki Polin and our Board of Directors

History of The Awareness Center - Our first online support groups and The Anti-Rape Daily Newsletter

History of The Awareness Center - Our first online support groups and The Anti-Rape Daily Newsletter

Starting around 1997, Vicki Polin joined forces with others who were acting as counter-missionaries against those who were bombarding Jewish chat rooms in their attempts to proselytize to unsuspecting, unaffiliated Jews.   It was soon after that Vicki started volunteering time as a JCOMM on AOL's Jewish Community online.  She started off monitoring the chat rooms and assisting those who attended various lectures in various Jewish chat rooms. 

In April, 1999,  The Awareness Center got it's start back when Vicki Polin started transforming her holistic counseling center's web page into the non-profit organization - The Awareness Center, Inc.

It was around that same time that she started creating The Awareness Center she started to offer an online chat room for Jewish survivors of sexual abuse/assault, which was originally based in the space created by the Jewish Community Online.  

Within time Vicki realized there was  a demand for there to be a daily newsletter to help keep survivors and others interested in what was happening within the Jewish community when it came to the handling of sex crimes, healing resources and just about anything else you wanted to know about sexual abuse/assault but were afraid to ask.  It was at that time Vicki Polin created a yahoo group.  Early in Jan. 2001, the following Yahoo Group was created, which later changed it's name to The Awareness Center's Daily news and then to the Anti-Rape Newsletter.

To subscribe to our daily newsletter, look for the box on the right hand side of this page.

About Healing from childhood sexual abuse

About Healing from childhood sexual abuse

© (2012) Vicki Polin, MA, LCPC, NCC

Vicki Polin, MA, LCPC, NCC

Years ago a therapist told me I would never amount to anything, and that I should lock myself up in a long term facility because that's where I'd spend the rest of my life. I was 19 at the time and was dealing with pretty severe abuse issues. At the time he had never treated anyone with MPD/DID before. Needless to say I found a different therapist and started to heal (FYI: I haven't dissociated in years).  So remember with the right help, you too can heal).

It wasn't until 12 years after I graduated from high school that I finally received my undergraduate degree (in Women's Studies). By the time I was 32 I had my masters degree. Two years later I became a licensed mental health professional. I'll admit that after earning each degree I sent that lunatic therapist an invitation to my graduations.

The truth is that one therapist was one of the people in my life who motivated me to do the work I do. All I can say is G-d forbid anyone else have a therapist say such crap to another survivor. I was so fortunate that I didn't listen to him and I trusted my gut. My hope is that my words will motivate others to do the same. If you believe in yourself anything is possible.

Being an incest survivor meant basically had NO family to go to for help. The truth is they basically wished me dead. There was even a short time in my life I was homeless.  I think the hardest part of my healing process was that I was forced to learn how to live life without them. It was so painfully difficult at first.

As the years went by I was fortunate to have people in my life who mentored me.  I will always be so grateful to them.  The truth is that I  don't know how to thank them enough for their love, support and kindness. Without them I doubt I'd still be alive, let alone be able  to do the work I have been doing for nearly 30 years. 

I'm sharing these thoughts and experiences with you, because I want every survivor out there to know, that you too can heal. It may take a lot longer then you want, but it can and will happen.  You just need to find the right licensed mental health professional or a legitimate rape crisis center that is affiliated with your State's coalition to help guide you on your own personal journey along with other support people in your life.  It may take time -- but with patience and determination, I know it will happen for you too.  

You Deserve Much Better!

Harriet Claire Wadeson, Ph.D., LCSW, ATR-BC, HLM

Harriet Claire Wadeson, Ph.D., LCSW, ATR-BC, HLM

Cornell University - Chicago, IL

American University - Washington, DC

Catholic University - Washington, DC

(1961) National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) - Washington  DC 

Union Institute - Jackston, TN 

Goddard University - Plainfield, VT

(1978) University of Houston - Houston, TX  

University of Illinois at Chicago - Chicago, IL

Annual Summer Institute - Lake Geneva, WI

Northwestern University - Evanston, IL

   

Harriet Claire Wadeson is one of the pioneers in the field of Art Therapy, and has been a long time member of The Awareness Center's International Advisory Board.  She is an accomplished, author, researcher and educator. 

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Table of Contents:

1. Bio:  Harriet Claire Wadeson
2. IATA Presidents & Leaders 2012 (09/01/2012)

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Bio:  Harriet Claire Wadeson

HARRIET CLAIRE WADESON, PH.D., LCSW, ATR-BC, HLM, is a Professor Emerita at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she directed its Art Therapy Graduate Program for 23 years and its Annual Summer Institute for 20 years. She developed and directed the Northwestern University Art Therapy Certificate Program for 9 years, directed the Art Therapy Graduate Program at the University of Houston for 2 years, and conducted art therapy research at the National Institutes (NIH) for 13 years. She is the author of 8 books on art therapy, over 70 articles in professional journals, 7 chapters in psychology and art therapy texts, and she has given over 100 presentations at professional conferences. She has also conducted over 100 workshops and given over 80 invited lectures. She has been an invited guest faculty throughout the world in 14 countries and has led professional delegations to European and Asian countries. She has received numerous awards, including Honorary Life Membership in the AATA, Rush Award from the American Psychiatric Association, a Resolution of Commendation from the Illinois State Legislature, Distinguished Faculty Award from Northwestern University, and numerous art awards, including a First Prize from the Smithsonian Institute.

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IATA Presidents & Leaders 2012

Illinois Art Therapy Association (IATA) - Sept. 1, 2012 

Harriet C. Wadeson is interviewed and talks about her involvement in the American Art Therapy Association, her growth and development as a clinician as art therapy has evolved, her art-making while facing cancer and the importance of making art in her life.

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Strength and Healing From Sexual assault

Healing 101: Letting Go of Toxic People and Things in Your Life

Father's Day Message

The Decision to Heal

There's Hope

Going Public?

When Looking For Help. . .

Spirituality and healing from incest

Spirituality and healing from incest 

 © (2011) by Avigail Goldstein

 The Awareness Center's Daily Newsletter - February 25, 2011

I don’t know how old I was when I started being abused.  It was right after my fifth birthday that I decide I had to find a better place to live.  I truly believed I would be safer living in my childhood playground, then I was in my parents home.   My gut told me I had to leave.

As I was packing my suitcase, I heard my father coming up the stairs.  Out of panic, I ran and hid in my bedroom closet.  I was at the age that I believed that I could make myself invisible.  I remember trying to stay perfectly still, closing my eyes and did my best to slow down my breathing so my father couldn’t hear me.  

A strange thing happened as I was hiding. All of a sudden a bright light came around me.  Somehow I felt as if this light was holding me and acting as shielding.  I remember thinking no one could harm me as long as the light was around me.  I remember wanting to stay in this light forever.

As soon as I felt safe enough, I started looking up and noticed I could see through the light that surrounded me.  It was at that point I noticed several other small lights dancing around  and then saw them merge into the light that surrounded me.  

Suddenly I started hearing a voice speaking to me.  This voice wasn’t a voice you could hear like when someone is talking to you, it was as if the light could enter my mind and was echoing thoughts deep within my soul.  

I felt a great deal of comfort as the voice let me know that I was a part of the light.  It told me that everyone has choices to join the light or spend their life within darkness.  The voice continued saying it was not my time to merge into the light, and went on to say that I needed to stay in this world for now.  The voice told me that I was placed in my family for a reason, and that some day I would understand that reason.  It also let me know that there would be a time that I would use my abuse experiences to help others. 


During the time I was inside the light and as it was communicating with me, marked the first time in my life I felt so safe, nurtured and so unconditionally loved.

As the light slowly disappeared, I felt this immense sense of calmness within me.  I totally believe that the light kept me hidden and protected me from my father that night.

Throughout my childhood when the abuse got very intense, the light returned.  It felt as if it was holding me, and then somehow took the pain away.   The light would remind me to remember that no matter what, the light was within me.  The voice would always remind me to take deep breaths and to slowly exhale.  By doing so I would be able to disconnect from the physical pain and control my fears.

As a child I could never connect to the formal concept of G-d as I was being taught at my childhood synagogue.  I remember trying to ask my families rabbi about my experiences with the light, yet felt as if he discounted what I was trying to ask and say.  I also felt as if he thought I was asking childish questions.  As I got older I stopped sharing my experiences with the light with anyone, even though the light has always returned to me at times I felt helpless or hopeless.  It has always guided me though some very difficult situations.

I have never been able to connect to any form of organized religion, yet I always believed that the light was coming from a higher power, that was safe and really showed me unconditional love. 

Though I doubt my beliefs are based in the way Judaism is presented by our spiritual leaders, I do believe that each of us are born for a reason.  


From my heart I believe each of us can use our own personal power for the light or for darkness.  I also believe that if we are not able to accomplish our life purpose in this lifetime, we come back again and again, until we are successful -- and then are allowed to merge into the light for eternity.  

I personally believe that my high power is not a person, is not human, does not have a gender and does not believe in segregation of the sexes or that one religious belief system is better then another.

I realize my beliefs go against what most rabbis teach, yet I personally believe that what ever this high power is, really does not care if we daven (pray) correctly, keep all the mitzvah’s (which is totally humanly impossible), or does everything our rabbis tell us to do.   I think we all need to find a way to experience a connection to the light, which I personally found to be the most comforting way to heal.

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Avigail Goldstein is a Jewish survivors of incest who has been working in the domestic violence field for many years. Avigail grew up in what she describes as a traditional Jewish family.  She is using a pseudonym to protect her identity.