http://www.geocities.com/mandy62657/

SURVIVING CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE



Michael V. Merrick, MS

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Introduction


Michael Merrick has provided services to children and families for more than 20
years. This includes providing sexual abuse treatment (individual, family, or
group therapy) to children between the age of 3 and 18 for over fourteen years.
He also has experience in providing child abuse prevention, child protection,
child care, and foster care services.

He has presented sexual abuse information to a variety of audiences at the
local, state, and national level. He is currently in the process of publishing
therapeutic interventions that parents and other professionals may use to assist
children surviving sexual abuse.

Mr. Merrick created this web site in order to provide information and resources
to children and their families who may not otherwise get the help that they are
in need of, or to refer the child to an appropriate resource that may be of
assistance.


My name is M...

by Elisa P. Farmann

I bear an awful secret, it hurts to tell the truth.
I trusted you my mentor, and you robbed me of my youth.
That carefree childhood innocence for me is long since gone.
I will never forget what you did to me, but still I must go on.
To live my life as best I can, a smile my fascade.
How could you look me in the eye and tell me there's a God?
Your illness made you weak inside, it sickens me to know,
how much I begged and pleaded, but you wouldn't let me go.
A nightmare I must live with all my days upon the earth.
To satisfy your lustful urge...is that all I was worth?
The lives destroyed aren't mine alone, this touches everyone.
Family and friends and future love...my unborn daughter or son.
I'm safe in my home, and I'm safe in my bed.
This Mantra repeated again in my head.
It will never be over, it will never be through.
This scar on my life that was put there by you...

Read another poem here !

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INFORMATION

Information and education are keys in order to prevent sexual abuse. Child
sexual abuse is not an impulsive act. It is a planned and calculated act by the
offender. This site will be developing newsletters concerning aspects of child
sexual abuse including perpetrator dynamics and the factors perpetrators
consider in choosing their victims. Information on how to protect your child
will be presented. If you would like a FREE copy of the newsletters to be
emailed to you, send your email address with "newsletter" in the subject
headline to: mandy62657@... You may also want to check out available
sexual offender registries in order to further protect your child here.



Common Questions and Answers



What is child sexual abuse ?????

What behaviors may indicate that a child is being sexually abused ?????

What affect or effect does sexual abuse have on children?????

Why is it difficult for children to talk about sexual abuse ?????

What to do if your child discloses sexual abuse ?????

Where else can I go for more information on child sexual abuse ?????

How do I take care of myself ?????

What are some suggestions for reducing stress in my life ?????

Other questions and answers ?????


VIEW THE FOLLOWING FREE BOOK and ARTICLES

THE TOUCHES OF LIFE by Michael Merrick

PARENTING CHILDREN SURVIVING SEXUAL ABUSE by Merrick and Allen

VARIABLES ASSOCIATED WITH POSITIVE TREATMENT OUTCOMES FOR CHILDREN SURVIVING
SEXUAL ABUSE by Merrick, Allen, and Crase

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If You Need Help Now


If you have been or are currently being sexually abused, or if you know of
someone who has been sexually abused, please contact the following number:


1-800-4AC-HILD (anywhere)


1-800-THE-LOST (anywhere)


or call your local police department


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REMEMBER TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF !!!



Read Short Stories of Inspiration and Humor here !!

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Additional Resources

Child Protection Guide
Recommended Books/Articles



Please feel free to email me any questions or comments.


© 2000-2006mandy62657@...



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