Pandora was curious.  She had been instructed not to open the box under any circumstance, yet there it sat. 

"What could be inside," she wondered out loud.  Perhaps if she just took a peek...

Before she knew it she was holding the box, slowly opening the lid....and...BOOM! 

Out flew all of the troubles of the world. 

Then there was silence.

Cautiously Pandora looked inside of the box.  There at the bottom, one item remained.  And that was Hope.

Welcome to Pandora’s Hope, a website created for Survivors and Secondary Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse.  My name is Kristin and I am a Survivor. 

When Pandora opened the box all of the troubles of the world came flying out.   This is how childhood sexual abuse can feel to Survivors and their loved ones.  It’s as if a sandstorm has erupted in your world. 

As a Survivor you are not alone.  The statistics are horrifying.   According to the Child Abuse Intervention Warehouse 1 in 3 American Women and 1 in 6 American Men have been sexually assaulted as children.  The Bureau of Justice reports that 96% of victims knew their attacker.  Child Abuse Intervention Warehouse states that 68% of the attacks occurred in private residences. 

Sexual Abuse and its aftermath are by far one of the worst and most complicated issues our society faces today.    With that said, I have not lost hope.  I believe that through education, awareness and healing change can and will happen. 

Pandora’s Hope is divided into five main sections, each of equal importance. 

The first section “Opening Pandora’s Box:  Childhood Sexual Abuse” defines sexual abuse and offers assistance in learning more about the signs and symptoms of childhood sexual abuse.  The Second Section “When does it end? Aftermath” presents information on the long term effects of trauma.  The Third section “Cultivating Hope:  Healing” answers questions as to healing options and disclosure.  The Fourth section, “Return of the Wounded Healer” Speaks to the need to return to society with what we have learned.  The fifth section is for Secondary Survivors; the friends, family and partners of Survivors. 

I wish you the best in your healing journey.

“May the long time sun shine upon you, all love surround you

and the pure light within you guide your way on” ~ Kundalini Blessing