028: Child Rape, Recovering Safety & Speaking Truth with Marie Schaeller
Trigger Warning...
Before we get into the show today, I want to make a special note that this episode has a myriad of triggers inside it. If you're listening to this with your kiddos, be prepared to have a serious conversation afterwards. Not only does it contain subject matter that isn't for all ages, but even as an adult I needed to take the rest of the afternoon off after stopping the recording.
So please take this as a reminder to care for yourself and the people around you. Period, but especially as you listen to Marie's story.
Marie Schaeller is an author from eastern Pennsylvania hoping to raise awareness of child sexual abuse in our communities and what we can do about it. Her first book is titled "Breaking the Chains of Silence" and is just one facet of these efforts to advocate for victims of this tragedy which unfortunately occurs in every community. In her own community, Marie has assisted in attempts to get the Pennsylvania House Bill 1947 passed. This bill would stop allowing predators to get a "time out" of justice, which as Marie explains later, would greatly benefit child victims later in life.
Marie has graciously offered listeners of the show a free copy of Chapter 13 in her book. It details how she turned the pain of losing a mentor into joining a writing class. Through this class she met her tribe and gained a powerful sense of community with writers of all ages, education, and background. Writing has truly helped me to wrap my head around some hurdles and heartbreak over the years, and I feel blessed for meeting these talented writers.
Marie's hope is to let survivors know they are NOT alone and that there are ways to move forward. That is my hope as well and it's the reason why I chose to feature such a triggering story like Marie's.
It's important to remember that Bravery is not always made of bright & shiny unicorns and fairy dust. Bravery also exists in extreme darkness and the fresh hell that is sometimes forced upon us.
I urge you to listen closely. If you heard what I hear in Marie Schaeller's story, then you will walk away a braver more beautiful citizen and community member.
Brave Take-Aways
An update on House Bill 1947, as of 1/24/2017
Before we close out today's show, here's an update from Marie Schaeller on the Pennsylvania House Bill 1947. She says, "Unfortunately, the bill after being gutted in the Senate returned to the House of Representatives, but never made it out of the Rules Committee to get to the floor for a vote. There were other issues that overshadowed it, like the Opioid Crisis and Pension Reform. The session closed without it being voted on.
PA House of Rep. Mark Rozzi has a plan to reintroduce the bill this legislative session in 2017 and pick up where last year left off. He will not give up. This is personal for him and he can relate to survivors. He was abused by a priest when he was younger as well as some of his friends- one of which committed suicide.
The new Attorney General that was voted in agrees that the retroactivity part of the bill IS constitutional. That was the main complaint of the Senate when they gutted it. Having the Attorney General support the bill is hopeful!
Here is an article that sums up the bill and end of session." - Marie Schaeller
(http://www.delcotimes.com/article/DC/20161026/NEWS/161029709)
She gave me an article that sums up the bill, which is linked in the show notes of this episode. Also in the shownotes as I mentioned earlier is Chapter 13 of her book.
We'd love to hear all about your most meaningful parts of today's Bare Naked Bravery. You can find Marie Schaeller and myself on facebook, twitter, instagram, and more. Go ahead and tag us so we can cheer you on and see what you're up to.
Keep in Touch with Marie Schaeller
www.marieschaeller.com
https://twitter.com/MarieSchaeller
Keep in Touch with Emily Ann Peterson
http://emilyannpeterson.com
http://instagram.com/emilyannpete
http://facebook.com/emilyannpeterson
http://twitter.com/emilyapeterson
I'm looking forward to being with you next week. We have some great things in store for you!
Until then I have one message for you. It's this:
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