Dark Clouds Over Neverland

As painful as it is to watch, ‘Leaving Neverland,’ offers an incredibly clear picture of the relationship complexity that a sexually abused child often navigates. If there is a greater good to be served in watching this story, it is to remind us, once again, that the abuser to be feared is not the creepy man in the park but the family friend, pastor, priest, coach or even family member who takes the time to patiently and carefully form what feels like a genuinely caring and trusting relationship with the child and often his or her parents.

Dangerous Denial

I have long wondered what it is in our human condition that makes it so difficult to accept the overwhelming and destabilizing reality of sexual abuse, especially the sexual abuse of a child? As difficult and incomprehensible as it is for an adult to fathom the act of sexual abuse perpetrated against a child, it is exponentially more confusing and unbelievable to the child who is victimized in a way that breaks every rule about what is safe in this world. ...

Keeping the Holidays Happy

The holidays are upon us and in the midst of the hustle and bustle of preparations and holiday cheer, it’s an important time to be mindful of the safety of the children in our lives. During this busy time of year there are special considerations to ensure that the holidays are safe and happy for everyone in the family.