| "Statutory rape" is the term. It's harsh for a reason. | | | | understand the root of their rage or pain. We all |
| It's a lot more than just "sexual misconduct" or | | | | know the cliché that men are harder to get to |
| "sexual harassment". If it happens to a minor, it's | | | | the dentist or doctor because they're supposed to |
| abuse - it's statutory rape. I have been a | | | | be "tough". Imagine the courage it takes for a man |
| professional, licensed therapist for over 20 years in | | | | to admit he needs help and to go to counseling! |
| the Los Angeles area, and I can tell you that the | | | | That's why I'm glad my friend Tish Smiley is |
| effects of this crime on the victim's soul and very | | | | producing the play, MUSTANG SALLY, which |
| identity can be devastating. It forces them to cover | | | | addresses this important topic. I love theatre in the |
| themselves with so many layers of protection that | | | | first place, but I am especially excited when plays |
| they forget (or fail to discover) who they were | | | | deal with important dynamics that need to be |
| made to be. | | | | exposed. With all the hot news stories about sexual |
| The good news is that there is a road back from this | | | | abuse by female teachers with their male students, |
| abyss. That's what it feels like to many of them - a | | | | you'd think these occurrences are a new "trend." This |
| black mark on their soul. Each person is unique of | | | | is a misconception. There is no new sin under the sun. |
| course, so they'll try on a myriad of exteriors to | | | | Unfortunately, it's been happening for thousands of |
| disguise how they really feel about themselves. Many | | | | years. |
| become addicted to drugs, booze, perfectionism and | | | | Most men and women carry the weight of these sins |
| even sex. But inside they feel a frightening blackness, | | | | (sins committed against them by others) their entire |
| almost completely void of self value. And although | | | | lives. But they don't need to. There is freedom if |
| their victimization might have been 20, 30 or 50 years | | | | they want it. Yes, it's painful, but not as painful as a |
| earlier, they feel a deep and sharp sense of shame | | | | living the rest of their lives under the heaviness that |
| as though it was yesterday. My job as a therapist is | | | | keeps them confused about who they are. This is |
| to help them first admit what happened to them, and | | | | not what God wants. |
| to then peel off each successive layer of self | | | | In fact, after seeing a few cases of abuse while I |
| protection as they build up their true self. | | | | was still in my practicum, I decided to name my |
| People have the concept that the damage from | | | | practice "True Identity Counseling." I know a lot of |
| statutory rape or molestation is worse on girls than | | | | people can't afford one-on-one therapy, so, for |
| on boys. Not so. Not at all. Boys can be equally | | | | nearly 15 years, I have led an eight week Christian |
| devastated by sins committed against their bodies | | | | based course called "Hope and Healing From Abuse" in |
| and souls. They wonder why they can't have a true | | | | Van Nuys, California. The course is designed to help |
| sense of peace, a thankful heart, or healthy | | | | the abused see the truth about what has occurred, |
| relationships. But men are generally less likely to ever | | | | and to give them the tools to release their burdens. |
| admit they are suffering. In fact, they may not even | | | | |