It is true that society is gradually moving towards a more knowing and healthier view of CSA including the abuse of boys.
Perhaps we can take heart from that and so bolster the courage we need to confront our abusers in our hearts.
We need to remind ourselves that we are not children anymore and so are not vulnerable anymore in the way we were. We must also, I think, be cognizant of the fact that we can, by forcing ourselves, by not cautiously proceeding in our recovery, become retraumatized by remembering, sort of re-experiencing our abuse.
While I believe that this group is invaluable in the information and support it provides, I think there is no substitute for professional help in the recovery process, both for long-term progress and crisis intervention.
In reference to society's progress, in the state in which I live, measures are being taken to review the status of level 3 offenders and consider whether or not they should be committed for the rest of their lives.
At the very least, it looks like they will be monitored much closer than they have been.
Due to recent tragic events, it looks like majority public opinion has been pushed over the edge and people are finally seeing that steps must be taken to prevent them from re-offending.
People still seem ignorant, however, about how sexual predators come into existence. They still talk about them as if the are just born that way. And incest is still largely ignored or denied.
Until there is a clearer understanding by a majority of people concerning what CSA is, how it comes to be, and how it can effectively be prevented, progress will be slow.
And so we will find our best support in the rare safe places like these.
