Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) - 1008

Tonight's special guest is Tamra Gregory from Littleton, Colorado, a child abuse survivor, parent and activist who we met recently through NAASCA family member Feather Berkower, also from Colorado. Now middle aged, Tamra was a victim of sexual assaults occurred between the ages of 8 and 12, by family members and a swimming instructor. She reports, "I have been in and out of therapy both individual and group beginning in my 20's through my 40's. In retrospect, a very difficult divorce, my 2nd, was a pivotal event in my healing. The pain of this divorce dislodged me from the anger stage of grief. I think I had been stuck there for 40 plus years." She began telling her story to close friends. While was working on her MPA and enrolled in an emotional intelligence course, Tamra was required to write a bio. It was another opportunity to share her story (with 26 other people) and reap the support that occurs when one takes the risk to be vulnerable and authentic. "I have never confronted my abusers," she says, "but I have shared my story with other family members and although they have expressed sympathy for me, none have really taken a stance in opposition of them." Tamra goes on, "Needless to say, I do not engage with any of them now. The sad part for me is missing all of the family gatherings and missing seeing my extended family." A firm believer in Feather Berkower's work, her Parenting Safe Children web site and her book "Off Limits: A Parent's Guide to Keeping Kids Safe from Sexual Abuse," Tamra is busy giving back. "I spend my personal time volunteering with groups that provide mentor-ship and support for kids in the foster care system."