Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) - 1548

Tonight's special guest is Brenda Plumley of Rome, NY, a returning NAASCA family member who's a survivor of severe child abuse. She credits her painting as being an important ingredient in her recovery. As a survivor and activist, Brenda expresses her recovery through her fine art, describing her work as Survivor of Childhood Sexual Abuse art. Brenda says she's grown alot since the last time she was with us (in 2013) but that there's still abuse going on in her family. "I realize though that there are symptoms that are life long but I can accept that because I know that I still can overcome," Brenda says. Since her last visit, Brenda confronted her brother. "I am amazed how powerful that was. When my brother moved back into the area I was devastated. I was taken aback by the effect his moving here had on me." She explains, "Now I find myself trying so hard to protect the children in my family, but they are in danger and CPS is not so good at protecting the children they are supposed to help." But perhaps things are looking up. "I finely found a good therapist that is familiar with an aspect of symptoms due to the type of abuse I experienced as a child. It makes it extremely difficult to interact with people. So I tend to seclude and have very few friends." We appreciate Brenda and her advocacy. "I am writing a book now and it will include my art work. I am also planning a support group for survivors in my area. I will be selling my art work for the first time this next summer and the proceeds will go toward helping other survivors." We hope Brenda will continue to engage with her NAASCA family.