Surviving Abuse and Violence News Summaries by title
Author to provide hope for children and families living with abuse
Domestic violence survivor to share her story
‘Day of Beauty’ breaks dark cycle
Connection with the earth helps survivor heal
Tutsi survivor speaks of school’s attack
Abuse survivor finds moment of peace
Remarkable woman started a remarkable place
Inmates see effects of crime
Act of kindness
Survivor of rape speaks out for those who can’t
Crowning achievement
Mother, daughter team reaches out to abuse victims
Abuse survivor is doctor’s ‘miracle’
New beacon of hope for the abused
Rapist forgiven by his victim
Rape Victim Shares Story of Hope
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Author to provide hope for children and families living with abuse
14th April 2007
By Carolyn Lange
The West Central Tribune profiled Karen Wussow who shared a remarkable story about growing up in a domestically abusive household. Karen Wussow grew up in the 1960s in poverty with alcoholic parents. The article outlines Karen’s futile efforts to seek approval from her parents and how she attempted to protect her siblings from harm. Despite all the violence in the household, Wussow resolutely continued to love her parents. Wussow told the reporter “I didn’t have a choice. That doesn’t make me resilient”. In later years, Karen lived in several foster homes and suffered sexual abuse as a teenager. Karen Wussow has rebuilt her life and is now employed as a social worker using her powerful experiences to help other victims of abuse. She has also written a book about her childhood experiences called Outside the Lines. Karen Wussow hopes that her book will prove to be a source of strength and comfort to over victims of abuse. She commented that, “My story is not so unique, but I’m in a position to share it”. The story suggests that writing this compelling book has been useful therapy for the author. Copies of the book can be ordered from the website of Karen Wussow at www.karenwussow.com
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Domestic violence survivor to share her story
15th March 2007
By Tony Regina
This story in The Record Breeze described the healing journey of Lisa Regina, a domestic violence survivor from Gloucester. The article described how Lisa Regina has used her passion for the theatre to help other domestic violence survivors and promote a personal journey of recovery. Lisa Regina organized a presentation of poems, writing and drama performances to raise awareness of domestic violence issues. Two years ago Regina was beaten by her fiancé and later developed post traumatic stress. She required a prolonged process of counseling to commence rebuilding her life and confidence. The article told how Lisa had recently found involvement in the theatre a positive vehicle for expressing her emotions and understands that her personal story may give hope and inspiration to other survivors of domestic violence. “In addition to counseling, women are looking for something creative to deal with the pain’. Lisa Regina added “There’s a great deal of ignorance surrounding domestic violence most importantly, I want to help them (others) better understand how women get into domestic violence situations and how they have a tough time getting out of it”.
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‘Day of Beauty’ breaks dark cycle
2nd February 2007
By Karen McLaughin
The Annapolis Capital reported on an event organized to promote health, well-being and recovery for the victims of domestic violence. Many victims of domestic violence suffer a loss of self-confidence which compounds their trauma. The aim of the “Day of Beauty” was to enhance self-esteem and challenge negative thoughts and feelings by victims of domestic abuse. The victims of violence who participated in the event were given some much-needed pampering by an enthusiastic group of volunteers. One of the volunteers, Stephanie Stinchcomb, told The Capital “We just want to show these ladies that someone cares about them”. Stinchcomb noted the improvement in self-confidence, attitude and mood that the event had promoted. “They don’t smile when they come in, but when they leave, it’s like a 180 degree turnaround”. The event was held in a local beauty salon and supported by the YWCA. Many of the volunteers for the event were themselves victims of domestic violence and are on the journey to recovery.
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Connection with the earth helps survivor heal
10th December 2006
Associated Press
This story described how a survivor of abuse and torture in Central America has found healing and now shares a message of hope to reduce community violence. Courageous Neris Gonzalez was burned, raped and subjected to freezing conditions during the civil war in her homeland El Salvador. She stills the mental scars from those dark days but is bravely rebuilding her life and sharing a positive message with a new generation. Neris has found new meaning and a sense of comfort through teaching others about ways to improve the environment. Her interest was promoted by her grandmother who was skilled at growing and using medicinal plants. Neris Gonzalez now visits schools to teach children about the alternatives to violence and promotes an interest in natural solutions and environmental issues. Her courage and bravery has allowed Neris Gonzalez to face two Salvadoran generals who oversaw those who abused her as part of a 1999 lawsuit brought by San Francisco-based The Center for Justice and Accountability.
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Tutsi survivor speaks of school’s attack
11th October 2006
By Richard Tao
The Yale Daily News published a remarkable story of survival from the African nation of Burundi. Gilbert Tuhabonye, a Tutsi, was present at his school when it was attacked by a mob of rival Hutus in 1993. The story documents how Gilbert, now studying in the USA, spoke to a group of his peers about the attack. Gilbert Tuhabonye was the only survivor of the attack. During the siege at the Tutsi school, students and staff were attacked with machetes and burned. He told his audience about that terrible day. “You want to cry, but crying isn’t possible”. Gilbert Tuhabonye was trapped in the burning school for 8 hours but managed to escape. He suffered burns to 40 percent of his body and he suffered short term paralysis in his right leg. Gilbert Tuhabonye’s story of healing is also remarkable. He has developed into an outstanding athlete being recognized with NCAA All-American selection. Tuhabonye has been able to use his hardships as inspiration and a source of his focus. Tuhabonye has also written a book called This Voice in My Heart describing his personal story of rebuilding and healing. Tuhabonye emphasized the importance of his principles of forgiveness, discipline, perseverance and faith in his recovery.
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Abuse survivor finds moment of peace
4th October 2006
By Kathy Hanks
The Hutchinson News introduced Carol Radke, aged 47, a Pratt resident who is a survivor of a violent and abusive marriage. Radke spoke to the reporter at a jazz concert organized to raise awareness of violence against women. Carol Radke was enjoying the tranquility of the moment and her new-found freedom from physical and mental trauma. “I can’t remember the last time I just sat like this enjoying the outdoors. Nobody is yelling at me, nobody is going to hit me tonight”. Reflecting on her personal experience, Radke said “Until you have lost it, you really don’t know what freedom is”. The turning point for Carol Radke came when she was thrown out of an 18-wheeler at a California truck stop and suffered a head injury. She could take the abuse no more and decided to reclaim her life.
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Remarkable woman started a remarkable place
17th September 2006
By Mark Tarte
This delightful story reported the continued commitment of Ruth and Butch Shattuck to provide support for troubled kids and their families. Ruth and her husband established the Buena Vidas Youth Ranch in 1970 to provide help to children from broken homes, kids from dysfunctional families and runaways. In 1974, the Ruth’s center became a nonprofit organization. For many years the ranch has been supported by generous donations of some household goods and other useful items. Over the last three decades, the ranch has provided an oasis of healing for broken lives. The article describes how Ruth Shattuck has recently become ill with terminal cancer. The illness has forced Ruth to delegate many of her responsibilities but the important work of the center is continuing with the support of dedicated family and friends.
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Inmates see effects of crime
5th September 2006
Mark Cowling
This article describes a voluntary program for inmates in Arizona State Prison to learn about the harm that their crimes may have caused and promote healing and reconciliation. The program has proved popular and seeks to enhance prisoner’s awareness of the impact of crime. It is believed that the program will assist with prisoner rehabilitation. 40-year-old inmate, Kelly told the reporter “(The class) has helped me feel some accountability for my actions”. The program depends on talks by victims of crime who share their own stories about the impact of crimes. The article describes one session where Pam, a victim of domestic violence made a presentation to a group of inmates. Pam’s presentation had a powerful impact. Pam’s years of abuse had left many scars and some of her more horrific memories have been suppressed. Over recent years Pam has started to heal some of the deep hurt of the past. Pam has now discovered “you’re deserving of healthy and loving relationships, and nobody deserves to hurt you”. Pam’s presentation required courage but was highly appreciated by her inmate audience. Many came forward to express personal thanks at the end of her talk. She did not hide from difficult questions. Pam said “I liked it. I thought the questions were appropriate. I appreciated the questions, because it tells me they were right along with me”. There is a careful screening process with each session to ensure that no inappropriate contact if made between inmates and victims of specific crimes.
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Act of kindness
12th July 2006
By Eveline Yamine
The Daily Telegraph reported this remarkable and heartwarming story of reconciliation. A doctor who was the victim of an assault has made peace with his attacker and offered him an opportunity to repair his life. On May 30th this year, 14-year-old Junior Togatuku and some accomplices vandalized the office of Dr Daryl Li. When Dr Li confronted the youths he was assaulted with a lump of wood. Junior faced several charges as a result of his reckless actions. A mediation session was arranged between Dr Li and his attacker and the result was a positive one. The youth met Dr Li and offered a sincere apology. Dr Li accepted the apology and helped the youth draft a letter to assist his presentation in his court case. Junior told the reporter from The Daily Telegraph about the impact of Dr Li’s remarkable act of kindness. “If it wasn’t for SEEC and Dr Li, I would be locked up. They have helped me and now I want to change my life and put it all behind me”. Dr Li, who now has a permanent scar on his ear, told the reporter “A hit on the head is painful but if I can turn one person into a better person in the future, it’s worth it”.
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Survivor of rape speaks out for those who can’t
28th April 2006
By Bill Nemitz
21-year-old Holly George spoke to a reporter from the Portland Press Herald and told how she had rebuilt her life after the trauma of the event. Now she wants to reach out to other victims with a message of hope. Holly George was raped 2 years ago by a former boyfriend. The story describes the circumstances of the rape and Holly’s efforts to heal her life. Initially, she had great difficulty coping with the trauma that she had suffered. Holly knew that she needed help. “I knew I needed to start dealing with all of this”. She added “I needed to start taking control”. One of the keys to her recovery has been the support of family and friends. Also important has been her patience and persistence with therapy. Holly George maintained a strong commitment to live her life. She has become involved in volunteer work, studied and worked. Recently she has started dating again. Now life is improving. Holly George told the Portland Press Herald how talking about what happened has given her healing. “I can stand up for myself now. I can defend myself. I’m more confident now, and I’m comfortable with that”.
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Crowning achievement
3rd April 2006
By Shirley Ragsdale
Marilyn Van Derbur is known to many people as a former Miss America. This report tells how Marilyn Van Derbur has recently become a powerful advocate for the rights of those suffering from sexual abuse. Her personal story illustrates how the effects of sexual abuse can impact upon people from all walks of life. Van Derbur grew up in a privileged home during her childhood. Marilyn’s privileged environment did not protect her from repeated episodes of sexual abuse during her youth. For many years, she kept her dark secret. Van Derbur only went public about the events of her childhood in 1991. The article in The Register told of Van Derbur’s appearance at a charity event to raise awareness of child abuse. She said “What I have learned is the only way to stop abuse from continuing and the only way to heal it is to speak the truth”. Fellow abuse survivor Kimberly Zarley said “What really matters is whether or not you have loving, supportive people around you who believe you and encourage you to believe that it was not your fault”.
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Mother, daughter team reaches out to abuse victims
14th March 2006
By Justin Boron
This article introduces Mya Johnson, aged 17, who has recently established a non-profit organization to prevent sexual abuse and assist survivors. Mya Johnson was the victim of sexual abuse in her workplace she was just 15-years-old in her first job. Recovering from the incident has been difficult. Mya told the reporter “It was horrible keeping the secret for so long. I was angry, hurt, and embarrassed; that I didn’t want to live any more”. The story described how the teenager is fighting back and reclaiming her life. With the help of her mother, Mya Johnson has formed a non-profit group called Putting the Past Behind Us which aims to assist child and teenage victims of sexual abuse. The Mya’s group aims to overcome the sense of isolation felt by many victims. The story highlights the need to have a balance between individual and group therapy. The article quotes Kristen Mitchell Russo, the president of Turning Point: New Directions for Families who said “Many people don’t initially comprehend that the psychological symptoms they are suffering, stem from sexual abuse”. Russo added “Individual therapy can bring this to the surface”.
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Abuse survivor is doctor’s ‘miracle’
12th February 2006
By Dave Forster
This story introduces Tammy Peterson, aged 47, from Minnesota. Peterson survived a shooting resulting from a violent relationship. She was shot by an estranged boyfriend who then turned the gun on himself. He later died. Peterson received eleven shots from a .22-caliber rifle. Her courageous recovery has confounded family, friends and medical staff alike. Tammy Peterson is still unable to walk but is progressively rebuilding her life. Remarkably, she has been able to forgive the man who pulled the trigger. The story tells how Tammy Peterson’s relationship suddenly and unexpectedly turned violent. The gun shots caused multiple injuries. One shot hit Peterson’s spine causing paralysis. Tammy Peterson believes her religious faith has helped her at this difficult time. She looks for the opportunity to build a better life and medical staff believe that Peterson will eventually be able to walk again. “All I can do is go forward, keep struggling to go forward”. It is hoped that Tammy Peterson’s story will encourage other victims of trauma and violence to rebuild their lives.
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New beacon of hope for the abused
28th January 2006
Sara Horton
This story reported on the increasing awareness and acknowledgement of the needs of child abuse victims in Bahrain. The silence and denial concerning this important issue are now being challenged. Progressively, services are becoming more widely available to help victims. The article describes the work done by the Bahrain Women’s Centre which has established workshops, discussion groups and healing programs for the victims of emotional, physical and sexual abuse. Victims are being helped to regain their confidence and rebuild their lives. The Gulf Daily News article described the background to the cases of abuse in the country and some of the strategies used to tackle this sensitive issue. The article quoted project president Soroor Qarooni who stated “We have already saved many children and hope to save may more”. One of the objectives of the program is to provide supportive culturally-sensitive, appropriate advice for parents and children. The emphasis is on education rather than punishment or retribution.
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Rapist forgiven by his victim
25th January 2006
Tracy Smith
CBS News reported a remarkable story of healing and reconciliation. In 1986, Christine Robbins was living in Akron, Ohio. Christine was raped by a group of men in her own home. One of the attackers was Lane Mikaloff, aged 18 at that time. Lane Mikaloff was caught, convicted and sentenced to a lengthy term in jail. He was released from prison in 2002 and was committed to building a new life. “I made a decision to change after I done what I done”. After the attack, Christine Robbins gradually picked up the pieces of her life. Robbins progressively overcame her fears, married, had a family and slowly came to terms with the traumatic events of the past. Lane Mikaloff also started a family and began a new life. CBS reported how fate reunited Robbins and Mikaloff. Lane Mikaloff faced eviction because under state law he was living in an area close to an elementary school restricted for sexual offenders. When Christine Robbins became aware of Mikaloff’s situation she felt sympathy. She understood that he had made a legitimate attempt to heal his lift and redeem himself. Robbins did something quite extraordinary, she forgave him. Robbins told CBS “I feel no hatred toward him, none whatever. I wish him all the best”. The article described how Robbins also helped to collect $800 to help Mikaloff’s family.
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Rape Victim Shares Story of Hope
18th January 2006
Jessica Hopkins
Coping with the physical and emotional trauma of a rape is difficult enough. Victims of rape also sometimes have to cope with an unplanned pregnancy. Pregnancy resulting from a rape poses a difficult dilemma for many victims. The choices made are difficult and highly personal. This inspiring article reported how one rape survivor, Megan Barnett dealt with this specific situation. Barnett was raped at Sioux Falls when she was aged 19. Megan Barnett was offered an emergency contraceptive but refused because of personal religious beliefs. She has no regrets about that difficult choice. Barnett told the reporter about her decision and the love that she feels for her daughter. “In not taking it, it just tipped my life upside down, but I’m really glad I didn’t because she’s such a blessing. I’m really thankful that I made the choice I did”. The article also reported more generally on a controversy regarding the availability of emergency contraception in South Dakota.
