Response-Ability:
​End Sexual Abuse without Backlash

author’s perspective

I am one of many mothers who have found that our legal system can be a disaster for a child who reports sexual abuse.
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Years ago, I took my daughter’s report about paternal incest to family court, expecting to block visitation and protect my child. I was treated like the criminal by most of my extended family and by many of the professionals who got involved.

They said I brainwashed her, that it was me who was dangerous, not him. I could not legally block visitation. After his court ordered visits, she told me of more molestation. We fled the state, and in my absence my husband got a divorce with sole custody for him, no visitation rights for me.

We were found, I was arrested and jailed for custodial interference. My child was taken and given to him. I have been forced out of her life.

I have spent this waiting time thinking about the entire issue of sexual abuse. I here offer these ideas, hoping to contribute to a deep healing in our culture, ending the sickness that is sexual abuse of children.

Sexual abuse is a team game. Perpetrators need co-offenders to keep long term incest intact. Healing from this widespread problem will take teamwork as well. If you share my goal of ending sexual abuse, this book is written for you.