This powerful new solution helps childhood sexual abuse survivors learn to heal - not just cope

A lot of the advice given to survivors of childhood sexual abuse focuses on treating symptoms. But this retreat tackles trauma at the root, so that the estimated 1 in 5 Americans who have suffered abuse can find lasting healing and break generational cycles of trauma.
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Childhood sexual abuse is a profound yet under-acknowledged issue in the United States, affecting an estimated one in every five children before their 18th birthday. This distressing statistic reflects a reality where 20% of Americans* could be dealing with lasting trauma from such abuse, fundamentally altering their lives, and in turn, the lives of those around them. Survivors often grapple with deep shame and diminished self-worth that manifest in their lives in devastating ways, such as addiction, broken relationships, isolation, and violence. Unfortunately, the common answer for those struggling is to address these visible symptoms, rather than the root causes of their trauma.
Saprea, a nonprofit organization based in Utah, offers a unique approach to healing for survivors. Saprea's intervention, the Saprea Retreat, is a week-long program tailored specifically for adult women who were sexually abused as children. This retreat creates a healing environment in which peers with shared lived experience come together as a community to face and heal from their pasts: because abuse happens in isolation, but healing happens in community.
The retreats are designed not only to confront the trauma directly but also to build a community that envelopes survivors in support. By focusing on creating new, healthier neural pathways through various therapeutic techniques, Saprea empowers participants to reshape their responses to trauma triggers. This deeply effective approach underscores the necessity of addressing trauma within a supportive community, highlighting that healing, much like trauma, happens in the context of relationships. Saprea's model not only aids survivors in immediate recovery but also in building skills and connections that support long-term wellbeing - in turn breaking the cycles of abuse that are so inherent in communities across the country.
*Source: CDC www.cdc.gov/ch...
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[@antonioorosco1125]

I feel a profound shame that never goes away and fear of adult people when i am actually an adult too

[@lf3541]

It's taken me more than 40 years to accept and acknowledge that I was sexually abused as a 15 year old girl. I now I understand how that event has molded me in ways I wished it hadn't.... mostly to my detriment. I wish I hadn't held onto my anger so long. That anger was SO destructive across my life. Wishing for healing for all of us isn't enough, but it's all I have to give.

[@ChristineByerEsthetician]

Truth. Nobody wants to talk about it but it keeps on and on, sadly.

[@samramoli3461]

Im now 38 years old..I was molested throughout my childhood..from kindergarten to 13 or 14 years old..i didn't live with my parents at that time..i only get to see them on school holidays..i didn't wanna tell them coz i was to scared and ashamed..it fked my life up..im always on suicidal, always on drugs..only thing keeps me going is my 2 sons..i dont want them to grow up without a father..

[@naomis8973]

Sending you a big hug and I’m so incredibly proud of you. You are strong and resilient! I as well was molested for a large part of my childhood and I know that we are and will get stronger! Take care ❤

[@deathbysnusnu1970]

I'm sorry you experienced that.many hugs

[@unclesam_fit]

Hey dude, look up @unclesam_fit and you’ll find someone who has made it through to the other side of this same story arc.

[@echopeak]

I wish I could get help like this but I cannot afford therapy these days. Been isolated far too long. Nobody likes hearing from victims who are dudes.

[@StandTogetherCC]

Thank you so much for sharing this. You are not alone. Saprea does offer some resources for male survivors as well. Yes, Saprea primarily focuses on helping women who have experienced childhood sexual abuse, but for male survivors specifically, they recommend several other organizations and resources tailored to men, such as 1in6, MaleSurvivor, MenHealing, Survivors and Mates Support Network, and Living Well.

[@frankieboola6867]

Everyone deserves healing. I can’t afford therapy either. We can heal. Much love to you.

[@kl9915]

as a trans guy i rly get it🥲 hope you're doing okay

[@kaineedshelp]

Anyone who looks down on you because of that isn't worth it. You deserve to be heard just as much as I do as a girl.

[@stevengray5549]

Things are changing my friend. There are charities in my country (UK) that help many men who have been abused. Good luck 🙏

[@kaineedshelp]

I'm a girl. I was sexually assaulted by my biological mother from at least 5 to 11 years old. She raised me to believe that only men can be abusers. I'm finally starting to talk about it for the first time.

[@Siberialover23Guiterrez]

Woes 😮😮😮😮😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@Karestinlynn]

I am so sorry and I acknowledge your pain and applod your courage ❤

[@Jane-Roe1126]

Hey, I was by my father my mother knew and was encouraging him to do so. I

[@melissasmuse]

@@Jane-Roe1126❤

[@melissasmuse]

Oof 😥 by your mother, I am so sorry.

[@JovaniMiller2001]

My molestation from my own half brother who is 4 years older than me caused me to have problems with how I control myself plus I ask God to please forgive me because I masterbate to myself and it’s because of my trauma But sibling molestation was going on in my mom side of family because my great grandmother had 15 kids 9 boys 5 girls some of my grandmother brothers were molestating my grandma and her sisters including my female cousins on my mom side of family my great grandmother who is dead now had a baby by her dad so my uncle was her brother and son. It’s hard man it’s just very hard to recover

[@katerinagaroufi8566]

being brutally raped by my uncle and my neighbor at age 2,5 until 4. I forgot everything living with my broken body and feeling shame without even knowing why. I remember everything now.We were 6 little girls and 2 of us survived. Barely. There is no hope for me. There is none to help me. I have no reason to live. I lost my entire life.

[@susaniceland]

❤

[@MJS2376]

Sending you a safe hug and prayer for healing.

[@missmuch]

Yes! This is the most relevant topic I've ever seen come across my feed. I am so happy to see it finally put on the table because this is something still happening exactly the same way it did from the beginning of time. Let's flip the script and stop the abusers from controlling the situation. ❤❤❤

[@thewolfethatcould8878]

Thank you God for this organization! There is so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. Amazing, so many answered 🙏s!

[@J.fromMichigan]

I am heavily involved in several channels that are about awareness on this issue, and the sad fact is most people want to not deal with this. They sweep it under the rug. It is repugnant I know, but must stop.

[@manichairdo9265]

How about an online community? With mentors and survivors zoom meeting regularly.

[@marahbaker8615]

That would probably be better for most people. If a retreat works for someone, that's fantastic! For me, though, the idea of going somewhere to discuss something deeply personal with total strangers makes me feel deeply uncomfortable. I don't want to leave my home, my husband, my dogs and my parrots. I know myself well enough to know I would find being away from my home and partner traumatizing all over again.

[@manichairdo9265]

@marahbaker8615 I'm with you all the way on that. My Yorkie would persecute me if I left him for more than 2 hours. 🥰

[@psampodyle]

@@manichairdo9265 count me in... please i feel lonely often...

[@kaallredjohnson]

Although the retreat is in person, afterwards you can find online communities specifically from the saprea retreat to join and further your healing experience. I joined one for about a year after going to the retreat. I didn't live in San Antonio at the time but they let me join their group anyway.

[@manichairdo9265]

@@kaallredjohnson That's great. Clearly beneficial for you. Long may you continue to thrive.

[@JaninaAnderson-c7x]

Truth. Community for healing. &the opposite of addiction is connection. Where i live ,im mostly in isolation and have a couple of connections because all the spooks &addicts want me to stay down&not heal.. so i look like the crazy ,whilst they continue abusing. Its disgusting

[@sarahk89]

I just found out I was sexually abused by my father and I’m in my 30’s. Looking for all the help I can as I am frozen and can barely function.

[@blade00000009Windows]

are you doing okay now?

[@sarahk89]

It comes in waves. I am talking to a place after the holidays when they open so I’m looking forward to that. Thank you so much 🫶🏻

[@larissabranovacki8164]

I’m so sorry you’re going through that. If there are any trusted friends you can confide in, it might be helpful to do so to lighten the load. You can also check if there is an ASCA chapter near you: it stands for Adult Survivors of Childhood Abuse. This was an important group for me to be a part of at the beginning of my healing journey

[@larissabranovacki8164]

I’m so sorry you’re going through that. If there are any trusted friends you can confide in, it might be helpful to do so to lighten the load. You can also check if there is an ASCA chapter near you: it stands for Adult Survivors of Childhood Abuse. This was an important group for me to be a part of at the beginning of my healing journey. You’re not alone! And you can do this.

[@jessicamonday2659]

Me too..I wish I could get help like this ... therapy is expensive plus afraid to receive help as Free therapy because I don't have anything to give in return

[@user-mg6fb7ix1q]

Not everything needs to be an exchange. Mental Health is Healthcare and I believe that everyone deserves free/ affordable healthcare, everyone should have access to it. You deserve support and the tools that would allow you to heal. The reason why often there is a cycle of abuse which takes place is because these traumatized people do not have the support and tools to heal and no longer perpetuate the abuse they went through to others. Free mental health support doesn’t just help the individual but it also helps the community as a whole

[@rebeccahooper7968]

I too was raped over and over again Groomed to Kept it in closet for years Family never listened to me My child hood was ruined

[@SlammerJammer-h7p]

That’s great, unfortunately for survivors like myself therapy and retreats are out of reach financially. I’ll keep doing what works for me.

[@Babysteps1000]

In the KZbin, he said it’s free. I hope you check it out… big big hugs to you

[@MillennialMountainMama]

I was victimized by my own father first then numerous men after, at age 8, 13, 14, 15, 16, until now.

[@SilveeYT]

I'm incredibly happy for these women, especially Maria 😊 May I ask if male survivors are welcome to? I felt left out in this video 🙁

[@StandTogetherCC]

Hi there! Thank you so much for the feedback and thank you for sharing ♥️. Saprea primarily focuses on helping women who have experienced childhood sexual abuse, but they do offer some resources for male survivors as well. For male survivors specifically, Saprea recommends several other organizations and resources tailored to men, such as 1in6, MaleSurvivor, MenHealing, Survivors and Mates Support Network, and Living Well.

[@mariaolsen2235]

Thank you @silveeYT. Sending love and healing energy your way.

[@Sav77-l9h]

Is it normal for kids to block if they get touched? My grand daughter is 8 now and 2 years ago I started to notice blood on her panties or torn

[@leanng.6110]

My son a 15 yr old gay adolescent, was sexually assaulted by an online sexual predator who is in his late 50s. My son is sufferring so much and Ive tried to engage him in many mental health services. Are there any programs geared towards this population to help them navigate and heal before 40 yrs have gone by?

[@susaniceland]

❤

[@MJS2376]

Prayers for healing for both of you.

[@Beatriz-pz1lt]

Nobody can ever heal from child sexual abuse.

[@littlehamster83]

it is the perspective..talk to God everyday until He attends to your questions, until you feel better. Talking to God is the only way. I have always felt a presence in my room that of been watched from behind. it is not threatening...just felt a presence that's all

[@deathbysnusnu1970]

No, but we can learn coping strategies and also learn how to trust ourselves and learn strength thru survival. You no longer have to survive, now you can learn acceptance of who you are and that you are not just a survivor but a whole person worth a life of love and happiness.

[@littlehamster83]

@Beatriz-pz1lt There is a loss of control over your body and your rights when you were molested, therefore the first thing you must do now is to regain the control. if you want to be healthy be happy start over, you can do it if u want to do it. if you don't want to do it, then nobody can force you. The first step in healing is recognising that abuse was in the past where you lost control to the perpetrator. The second step is telling yourself that was in the past, but in the present I have full self control. Decide to recover, and heal and be healthy and happy. you will get there. Be happy, be blessed God loves you!!!❤️💞

[@N0W3YJ0S3]

You’re right their is no hope

[@Foxxx_therian34]

I got raped when I was 3years old it was scary it was lucky I survived😢

[@susaniceland]

❤

[@14O297]

I'm so sorry that happened to you ☹️

[@willow6726]

Where is this place? Can you offer more info on how I can find out more please? Thank you.

[@earthsign7568]

Its so crazy to say the issue is feeling like its happening in the present when the issue is that it ever happened at all!

[@sirpseudonymous5555]

Oh yeah, sexual abuse is a masssive, despicable breach of trust and extremely cowardly to boot. There's no excuse. Sending love.

[@earthsign7568]

@sirpseudonymous5555 uh it's actually UNHOLY and an abomination. For many rectally assaulted under 5 it was also life threatening

[@floralgreen801]

retreat in utah? ALARM BELLS

[@ElizabethHurtado-py8ur]

#community#communication#healing

[@Mantras-and-Mystics]

You say that 20% of children have been sexually abused. I'd say it could be higher. There are children whose stories you'll never hear. My specialist for auto-immune illnesses asks every new patient if they've ever been SA'd. 65% have said "yes." And they are the ones who (A) Remembered (B) Were prepared to disclose it to a man they'd never met. My first instinct was to say "No." I didn't feel safe enough in that setting to disclose it. Edit: His patients were almost all women at the time.

[@ElizabethHurtado-py8ur]

This image is similar to the image my daughter drew in her journal when she was given her first Xanax which I believe was intentional so that they could label her with a psychiatric disorder.

[@Rebeccabecc]

I healed then they came after me again this same group, 😢 freemasonry crips.

[@ElizabethHurtado-py8ur]

⬆️

[@SyedShahanShahan]

Heare is a good news for this i have a equal solution for this if some thing bad happend to u just dont prof to your self that trained to your mind that there is no power to realise me as a bad happend to me its just thoughts dont felling fear frome your thouths.remember dont accept the worng thoughts ever .live the life natrully nothing in this world r perfect eccept GoD.then whats the proof of this that your mamori is right about some thing bad happend traind your mind that nothing bad happend to me its just a dark drem that i live in burden .iswere this mathide will bring you in a normal happy powerfull life .

[@N0W3YJ0S3]

Their is no healing

[@ItsMeMe35]

I want to learn to heal

[@Quantbelli]

Meditation for healing trauma (SA) kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYXMqmV-dsmopKMfeature=shared

[@frankieboola6867]

I need this 🤍

[@emcee797]

I see you, frankieboola6867❤️

[@Saprea_org]

Thank you for everything you are doing for the cause! We are here for those looking to progress or start their healing journey and we are honored to be partnering with Stand Together to bring awareness to this topic. 🤍

[@StandTogetherCC]

Thank you for your incredible partnership! We're honored to work with you in raising awareness along with supporting and empowering survivors. ❤️