TBP Mission
THE TEDDY BEAR PROJECT MISSION STATEMENT
The Teddy Bear Project is the initiative of adult survivors of sexual assault.
Our first goal is to show in a very real and tangible way, the prevalence of childhood
sexual assault and exploitation by creating a display of Teddy Bears in Washington, D.C.
during November, 2000. Each Teddy Bear used represents a survivor of childhood sexual
abuse; each Teddy Bear with wings represents a child who died from their abuse.
We believe that the Teddy Bear Project is necessary because children are still being
abused and exploited across America whose names we may never know. We want to raise public
awareness and concern for these children. We want to bring renewed attention to their
treatment needs within social serve agencies, the juveniles court systems and in the legal
system at large. We want to prevent further abuse of children where possible, and to
remedy where, and as quickly as we can, those hurts that now exist.
We also believe that renewed attention is important for adult survivors. Many of them face
enormous challenges in accessing appropriate and affordable metal health care. We need
professionals who are better able to recognize and treat childhood sexual abuse as a
causative factor in diseases such as alcoholism, prostitution, chronic unemployment and/or
underemployment, overeating, substance abuse and teenage pregnancies and suicide.
We are asking for your assistance. Will you help us? We need collection sites in your
city. We also need shipping and storing for the Teddy Bears, and the
supplies necessary to build the monument. If you know of anyone who could donate these things please ask and let us konw.
If you would like more information about the Teddy Bear Project, please write: The Teddy
Bear Project: P.O. Box 38082; Atlanta, GA 30334.
Your time, kindness, concern and assistance is warmly appreciated.