Frequently Asked Questions

If there is one thing that SCSA does not have a shortage of, it is questions from the media, our members, and the general public. On this page you will find the questions that we are asked most frequently. This page is divided into two sections; our Organization and Victims/Survivors. This is a living list, and we will update it as often as new questions are asked multiple times, or they are submitted by you, using our Contact form, or emailing us at [email protected].

SCSA Organization

1. What is SCSA, and what does it do?

Survivors of Childhood Sex Abuse, or SCSA, is a Advocacy and Support organization for victims and survivors of childhood sex abuse. We were founded on February 11th, 2021, and we are a Delaware Non-Profit 501(c)(3) corporation that operates globally. We offer resources, support (peer-led and one-on-one), and referrals to our members free of charge.

2. Where are you located, and how can you be contacted?

Our official address is 221 N Board St, 3A, Middletown, DE 19709, and this is where we receive official communications. Our staff is located all around the United States and other countries. You can also use our Contact form, email us at [email protected], or call us at 469-275-1439. Here are some additional email addresses:

[email protected] - our President
[email protected] - our Board of Directors
[email protected] - for Support
[email protected] - for Media Inquiries

You can also visit us at our digital/online properties:

SCSA Podcast Network: http://podcast.scsaorg.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scsasurvivors
Twitter: https://twitter.com/contactscsa
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/contactscsa/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnZWcbfkusMZb6_2fPIliUA

3. What is the most important thing that SCSA does?

SCSA does a lot, and they are all important endeavors. But our primary purpose is, and always will be, to advocate for and support victims and survivors of childhood sex abuse.

4. How do you get your funding, and what do you use it for?

The organization was initially funded by one of the founders. Today, our only incoming revenue is donations. Our Patrons donate on either a single donation or recurring donation basis. We are debt free, and as a matter or policy, do not and will not make institutional loans. We use our donations exclusively for our operational expenses and to fund our support programs. All directors, officers and staff are non-paid volunteers.

5. What are your affiliations, alliances, partners?

Although independent, we frequently work with and support other agencies and organizations that have similar missions. This can include, but is not limited to sharing knowledge, attending and supporting their events, working together to form a more vibrant and stronger survivor community. We do not make endorsements of political candidates.

Victims/Survivors

1. I see the terms victim, survivor and warrior throughout the website. What is the difference?

They are what SCSA considers stages of healing. A Victim is a person who has not come forward. Coming forward does not mean going public. They suffer in silence, not telling anyone about their abuse. A Survivor is a person who has come forward and typically joins an organization like SCSA for support, goes into therapy and/or sees a doctor for medications to help with the trauma, or a combinations of these activities. A Warrior is a Survivor that does advocacy and/or support on the behalf of Victims and Survivors.

2. Should I seek therapy?

Yes. It is desired that your therapist is "trauma informed" and specializes in Childhood Sex Abuse, as the chances of success tends to be higher. SCSA can assist you in finding such mental health professionals. Results are individual, and we do not guarantee specific outcomes.

3. Should I see a lawyer?

In the majority of the cases, you should seek the counsel of an attorney. Just like therapists, SCSA can assist you in finding such attorneys. Also, just like therapist, results are individual, and and we do not guarantee specific results.

4. Should I contact the church about my abuse?

Absolutely not. The church (or any other institutions where your abuse happened) are in no position to help you. In fact, history has shown us time and time again that when you share information with them, that they have used your own words against you and any subsequent civil or criminal proceedings that you file against them and/or your abuser. They are in no position to help you when they themselves are responsible for ruining your life in the first place. Again, history has demonstrated that they are also incapable of policing themselves, and it is a conflict of interest for them to investigate their own crimes and negligence:

SCSA's general counsel and best practice, without exception, is to always file a police report, regardless of when the abuse occurred, and to seek the advice of an attorney.

5. Who qualifies to be a member of SCSA?

Anyone who is a victim or survivor of childhood sex abuse, their families, or anyone who has an active interest on the subject. Some organizations specialize in church or institutional abuse, and some are highly effective. SCSA is an all-inclusive organization that welcomes ALL victims and survivors of childhood sex abuse, and we will never discriminate where or how a child was sexually abused. It's a popular misconception that the church or boy scouts have the most victims. While this is sinister, organized, systemic and wholesale sex abuse of children, the largest demographic is victims who are abused by family; parents, other family primary relationships (aunts/uncles, cousins, etc.), or friends of the family. A recent university study suggested that there are over 4,000,000 victims nationwide, and while that number is staggering in and of itself, SCSA believes that number is low, and is completely unacceptable, and is the reason we exist.

6. I have a problem with alcohol and drugs. What should I do?

It's important to understand that this is often a result of your childhood sex abuse. All victims of childhood sex abuse, without exception, suffer from anxiety, clinical depression, PTSD, and sometimes dissociative disorder. If you are addicted, you should take measures to detox and stop. Detoxing from alcohol and drugs can be dangerous, especially alcohol and benzodiazepines; you can have fatal seizures, a heart attack, etc. You should be in a medical detox facility where you can receive medications that will address these problems and you are monitored for your safety. Alcohol/Drug rehab can be effective in your recovery, but it is essential that you've made a decision to stop and the underlying trauma is addressed. This is why we highly recommend a dedicated therapist as a foundation and adjunct to your healing from alcohol and/or drug dependency.

7. What happens in your SCSA Support meetings?

Sometimes miracles happen. While mental health professionals sometimes provide positive outcomes, or a family can be supportive, nobody understands you more completely than a fellow survivor. The meetings are peer-led, last for two hours (sometimes longer, depending on the need), and are held weekly. The reasons they are held weekly are several. Sometimes you might want to take a break; a day or two, or more. We're discovered that monthly meetings are not enough because if you miss one, you've gone two months without support. Because of COVID, all of our meetings are online, and what we considered a hindrance in the beginning, we experienced that attendance has sharply risen, and the meetings are attended by survivors nationwide. You can attend anonymously, without your webcam, and you do not have to share if you do not want to. The meetings create lifelong friends, and a supportive community in your journey to healing. The meetings are private. When we can book them, we sometimes have special guests in the field that serve to educate and give updates to our survivors.

8. I am have suicidal ideations, considering suicide, or I am about to commit suicide. Is there help?

There is immediate help available. This is also a result of your childhood sex abuse. SCSA recommends calling 911 right away and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. 

We are always looking for new questions and suggestions for this FAQ page. Please use our Contact form or email us [email protected].