Interview with Keith Smith, Author, Advocate, Child Sexual Assault Survivor

At the age of 14, Keith Smith was abducted, beaten and raped in his hometown by a stranger. Keith was able to identify the perpetrator who was arrested and testified to a Grand Jury. Although he was arrested following the attack and indicted a few months later, he never went to trial. His trial never took place because he was brutally beaten to death in Providence before his court date. Thirty six years later, no one has ever been charged with his murder. The story of Keith's assault and his transition from “victim” to “survivor” has been featured in print and broadcast media and Keith speaks publicly about “Reasonable Steps You Can Take to Keep Children Safe” on radio and television programs. Keith developed “Reasonable Steps” to help reduce the risk to children by educating adults on five key things; Know the Facts about Childhood Sexual Abuse; Know the Signs; Know What to Do; Know Where to Go; Know What to Say. Keith was one of 200 men who appeared with Tyler Perry on Oprah Winfrey’s groundbreaking show on Male Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse. He has lobbied government officials on behalf of child protection agencies and testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee seeking an end to the civil Statute of Limitations in cases involving sex crimes against children. He has fifteen years of service as a member of the Board of Directors of a non-profit, social service agency providing crisis intervention counseling to child victims of sexual assault, including six years as Board Chairman. Keith is the Author of "Men in My Town", which is his story. Please see Keith's website at http://www.meninmytown.wordpress.com Join us for this informative and important interview.