Director's New Blog on SoutheastMissourian.com

Executive Director, Tammy Gwaltney, now has her own blog on southeastmissourian.com entitled "Let's Talk." 

FACT: One in 4 children will be sexually abused before the age of 18! When I was asked to write this blog, I was honored. To be able to put a public voice on a silent crime has been a goal of mine for many years. You can't imagine how many times I have wanted to make sure that facts vs. myths about sexual violence were made known, as the only way to stop a problem is to be educated about it.

I want this blog to be a forum (a safe forum) for victims to speak out, to find their own voice and to ultimately find healing. Although this blog is primarily about sexual violence, other issues of violence such as stalking, harrassment, domestic abuse can also be addressed.

Feel free to respond to my comments or to write me with questions.

I look forward to hearing from you. I look forward to starting an open and honest dialogue about the issue of violence in our world, our culture our community and our homes.

To get this process started, I ask you, the reader, to tell me whether you think child sexual abuse or adult sexual assault exists here in southeast Missouri? Do you know of any abuse or been a victim yourself? Please DO NOT mention any names and DO NOT identity any victims.

Also and always, if you suspect a child is being physically or sexually abused call the child abuse hotline. In Missouri 1-800-392-3738 In Illinois 1-800- 25ABUSE.

Tammy

To join in the discussion, go to this website: 

http://semissourian.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008293458112