August 13, 2023
TNT Radio
with Lynn Shaw
It is an honor to speak with Gloria Masters. She is dedicated to giving survivors of child sexual abuse and child sexual abuse material (CSAM) a voice.
Speaking Out
A simple Hand signal A way for children to show they are being abused/not safe
HTSB HAND Signal for Under 16’s
#handsign4kids
On June 16 2023, Gloria released the hand signal for Under 16’s to use if they are being abused/not safe This has already been adopted and applied. One woman in the US observed a girl of about 11 using the signal and phoned the police, got some help and saved the girl who was being trafficked!
Gloria saw the signal as one way to equip children, should they be in a sexually abusive or a harmful situation. As she herself survived 16 years of child sex trafficking, she is passionate about this simple, yet powerful hand signal.
“I wish I’d had a hand signal when I was a kid, it just may have saved me” she says.
NB This signal originally stems from a women’s group in the US, advocating against domestic violence
Gloria’s charity Handing The Shame Back Foundation provides the following resources
Books by Gloria Masters
Media Interviews
August 11, 2023
TNT Radio
with Chris Smith
Listen from: 29.50 minutes in to Gloria’s interview.
July 26, 2023
Reality Check Radio
with Maree Buscke
Gloria Masters: Survivor, Author, & Speaker Talks About NZ’s Woeful Legacy Of Child Sex Abuse
Blogs
My blogs are designed to offer some techniques to try, as you navigate your way through post traumatic stress.
You are never alone on this journey.
I stand with you.
20 September, 2023
19 August, 2023
15 July, 2023
Blog - audio versions
Justifying
All too often as survivors we find ourselves justifying what happened, over explaining, compensating, rationalising and defending our position.
Stop doing that.
We don't owe anything to anyone, the abusers are the ones that should be doing this. Its important to realise our over explaining is just our wounded child needing validation, and we need to hold our heads up high and hold our power.
Go to our website (see below) for more information on our foundation
If you are looking for coaching whether survivor or supporter. https://www.handingtheshameback.org/
#childhoodsexualabuse #survivorofsexualabuse #survivorsupport
#survivors #ibelievesurvivors #handingtheshameback #handsign4kids
Power and Survivors
For Survivors of sexual abuse: Feeling confident doesn't happen naturally, the fear and paralysis can be so strong, it can re-traumatise us if ignored. It is to be expected that we would struggle with people in positions of power and control and this is what underlies the abuse we suffered. Some things to try that may help:
Establish clear boundaries
Become more assertive
Build a support network
Practise self care
Use grounding techniques
Go to our website (see below) for more information on our foundation
If you are looking for coaching whether survivor or supporter. https://www.handingtheshameback.org/
#childhoodsexualabuse #survivorofsexualabuse #survivorsupport
#survivors #ibelievesurvivors #handingtheshameback
Telling your children
Before you launch into telling your children about your abuse, some valuable questions to ask yourself first is why? Why now? Who will this benefit? How can you do this safely?
If the answers are more about you than them, you may not be ready to share this.
If, however, it is the right time: here’s some things to consider:
Before discussing this, make sure you have processed your own emotions and have a support system in place. It's important to be emotionally prepared to handle their reactions and provide the necessary support.
Go to our website (see below) for more information on our foundation
If you are looking for coaching whether survivor or supporter. https://www.handingtheshameback.org/
#childhoodsexualabuse #survivorofsexualabuse #survivorsupport
#survivors #ibelievesurvivors #handingtheshameback
If you need help
If you or anyone you know is struggling to deal with child sexual abuse, the following providers can offer support in your region:
New Zealand
Handingtheshameback.org Provides support through sharing information and survivor stories
ACC Counselling and therapy. For free confidential sessions contact ACC Sensitive Claims Unit, 0800 101 996
Safe to Talk Sexual Harm Helpline, 0800 044 334 or Text 4334, [email protected]
Help Auckland 0800 623 1700
The Harbour Online support and information for people affected by sexual abuse.
Male Survivors Aotearoa Helplines across NZ, click to find out more (males only).
USA
RAINN is the largest US support agency for adult survivors of child sexual abuse
United Kingdom
NAPAK – Supporting recovery from childhood abuse
Maggie Oliver Foundation – Helping survivors of abuse
Australia
Blue Knot Foundation – advocate for and provide support to people who have experiences of complex trauma, and those who support them, personally and professionally.