Friday Fun Client Stories

A few years ago, I was able to convince the fine folks at our local college to let me present programs in the dorms. It is a small college and located in a rather provincial town. They didn't like to admit that their male and female students did much more than gaze thoughtfully into each other's eyes or occasionally hold hands.

When I finished up my presentation, and asked if there were any questions or comments, a young woman stood up and asked how they could bring more active programming to campus. She went on to become a campus leader in the push for better services for students and more awareness of the issues surrounding sexual violence on campus.

So, why do I tell you this story? Because, she was a client many years ago. She and her sister were sexually abused by a relative. The sexual abuse was a cycle in her family. I think I've seen a handful of her relatives for other victimizations. Her mother, also a client, decided in my office one day that the cycle was going to end. Her mother took an active role in helping her daughters. She consulted them when the DA's office called about a plea and again when the prison system wanted to know how they would feel if he were released early due to illness. She took time from her job to "reconnect" with her daughters.

And, the great pay off was that she and her daughters were able to build an even stronger bond than before, both girls went to college - the first in their family - and both girls were strong and bold and active in helping other abuse victims. And, that's why we do this work - for the kids and families who just need the opportunity to heal.