Academic researchers, psychologists, writers, college students and others often ask incest and molestation survivors to volunteer for their research. Survivors are often eager to share their stories, despite the pain this can cause. We want to educate the public about the prevalence of sexual abuse, its prevention, and its effects on the lives of survivors. We want to help professionals develop more effective and compassionate treatments. We want the secret survivors, who have not yet reached out, to know they are not alone.
Your questions may "trigger" flashbacks and other aftereffects, so please be as careful as possible. Survivors will often share things they have never told another soul. The experience can be healing for them, or it can be traumatic. Many of us have been threatened with retribution, including death and torture, if we were ever to tell about the abuse. Survivors need to be treated with dignity and respect. They are giving you a precious gift. The courage and grace of my fellow survivors never ceases to amaze.
I have asked researchers not to post in the Yahoo! Club or in the guestbook. A man posing as a researcher posted in the club and harassed a survivor. The members are willing to help legitimate researchers despite the pain this man caused. I will post your requests for research volunteers in the club and/or on the website if you meet the following conditions:
Provide at least 3 references. These can be college professors, licensed clergy, licensed therapists, professional editors, etc. Include all relevant contact information: name, title, affiliation, e mail address, street address, phone number.
If you are a student:
contact information for the professor or licensed therapist overseeing your research
title of the course the research is for
the degree you are working on.
Previous publications, if any.
Your academic credentials and licensing information, if applicable.
Contact information for your editor if you are a writer [freelancers can use editors they have previously worked with].
A thesis statement [the purpose of your research].
A copy of your questionnaire. If you are interviewing, a list of the questions you plan to ask.
If you will be conducting telephone or face-to-face interviews, your phone number and the best time for me to call you.
