Eight Sessions, Starting September 30, 2019, 7:00pm [Full Schedule Below]

Venue ==> Capital Community Church, 20430 Ashburn Village, Ashburn VA 20147

Admission: FREE

Register Here ==>  http://www.capitalcommunity.org/ministries/adult-ministry/  

Converging empirical evidence confirms that abuse against women is a rampant global phenomenon. It is estimated that every third woman experiences violence among the people and settings she trusts the most. Included in these contexts are her home, workplace, community, —- and even her church. This series of workshops is a unique and safe opportunity to learn about this hidden problem and seldom discussed issue, which remains a true taboo in our midst. All of us most likely know someone who has experienced assault by an authority figure. 

What happens to a person who has been sexually assaulted by a trusted member of the community? Why does it take so long for victims to share what happened to them? What happens to the perpetrator who is involved in taking sexual advantage of someone trusted in his care. How do we help her?  We know that victims are afraid and ashamed to talk about what happened to them. Perpetrators fear getting caught, and, thus, do their utmost to keep their deeds a hidden secret. Also, our institutions are reluctant to tarnish their image in the community where they are respected as a pillar of strength and wisdom. Thus, denial and secrecy keep this epidemic flourishing.  This cross-disciplinary set of workshops is a personal and community growth opportunity. It offers the participants unbiased evidence, information and discussion about trauma caused by sexual abuse through the eyes of the victim, the therapist, and the researcher. A survivor with a remarkable recovery story shares her experience. Clinical psychologists present the effects of trauma on victims’ lives and present strategies to facilitate the long process of recovery. A data scientist explains the value of systematic information-driven research in solving practical problems.  There will be opportunities for informal conversations as well.

Seminar Chair: Marjo Mitsutomi, Ph.D.; Co-Founder, The Sisu Advantage

Questions? ==> mm@thinksisu.org