The Margaret Jamal Story- Surviving Revictimization from Repeated Sexual Abuse

From the time she was four years old until age twenty two, Dr. Margaret Jamal suffered from multiple sexual assaults from various different perpetrators. Her traumatic experiences led her to a life of promiscuity, drug abuse, and a suicide attempt. In the course of her search for healing, she has developed methods to reach other victims before they lapse into the cycle of revictimization and ultimate self destruction. Her efforts stresses peer support, empathetic listening sessions, education along with social and spiritual development. The Healing and Creative Arts Center of the Palm Beaches has joined with Dr. Margaret Jamal to reach community based groups that can be taught to offer this greatly needed support in order to address this epidemic of sexual abuse. This project will target young women and girls that have already been victimized because they are at a high risk of revictimization and suicide. The most difficult element of this effort is encouraging open and honest disclosure because of the fear, shame and stigmatization that is felt by the victims. Another challenging element is the lack of understanding regarding how to identify sexual abuse when it does not resemble the media portrayals. However through sensitive education, victims can identify that they have been sexually abused and learn how to gain the help that is needed to begin a healing process. Website: www.mytimetotell.org My Time to Tell promotes healing and prevention of Revictimization fom Sexual Abuse through Peer Support and Giving Voice to Victims and Empowering Survivors.