Most people think child abuse is wrong. We are horrified by it, instinctively revolted. Because of this we find it easier to think that the people abusing children are different from us in some way; a different class, race or ethnicity, followers of another religion or belief. As Lewis Coser argued back in 1969 weContinue reading “How children meet abusers”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Crushed by Silence
‘everybody knew…you knew that they knew and that it was my fault’ Lynne Abuse exists and thrives in silence. Indeed, in most cases, it depends it. That silence can extend across the entire life of those affected. Many people who have experienced CSA will try to disclose the crime, but evidence suggests that the responseContinue reading “Crushed by Silence”
Information for Professionals Supporting Adults Recovering from Childhood Sexual Abuse
When I started my PhD I wanted my research primarily to be aimed at people who had experienced childhood sexual abuse. This was because so much previous research was created for professionals. However, the data I gathered does have implications for all sorts of professionals; people working in the law, health, social work, community andContinue reading “Information for Professionals Supporting Adults Recovering from Childhood Sexual Abuse”
Four Key Questions
My research has identified four key questions for people recovering from childhood sexual abuse to consider. Some of the answers will be individual to you and it is vital that you make your own choices. After thinking of your answers to these questions you might feel that you want to take action yourself or youContinue reading “Four Key Questions”
Read my Research
My thesis has finally been published online. It’s free for anyone to read. You can read it here: http://etheses.whiterose.ac.uk/26956/ It doesn’t go into any graphic detail about abuse as it is focused on recovering but it may well be triggering for people with cPTSD. Certainly parts of it were for me but I still thinkContinue reading “Read my Research”
Dr Cunnington I presume?
My PhD was awarded today. I feel…vindicated and so proud that I’ve turned the most horrible thing that ever happened to me into one of the best. It means SO much to me. Hopefully, it shows that we are not just victims of circumstance, tossed this way and that by fate, we can have someContinue reading “Dr Cunnington I presume?”
April 2020 Update
I hope that everyone is well and coping with this very strange time. Two things to update you about. I had my viva and passed! I have to do some minor changes (re-label tables etc) then I’m done – and will be Dr Cunnington. I’ve also written a piece that’s been published by NAPAC – TheContinue reading “April 2020 Update”
Trauma and Emergencies
This article explains why people who have experienced trauma can be calm when they are faced with an emergency. I found it really interesting and obviously very apt at the moment. I hope everyone is doing ok at the chaotic time. I have my viva soon. When that’s done hopefully I’ll have my PhD andContinue reading “Trauma and Emergencies”
Ethics and Research
In my research I’ve found a surprising number of academics that minimise the harm caused or even defend child abuse. Oh look here’s one where his research reflects his interests…. You can read about that here. There are many that argue that research should be approached in a scientific manner, without any bias. Personally IContinue reading “Ethics and Research”
Third APPG report: Survivors’ experience of court and applying for compensation
I’m not sure how I missed this – drowning in thesis writing I’d guess – but there was a third APPG report published in October. This included data that I submitted from my research. The APPG recommendations were: 1. All court staff should undergo mandatory training that gives them a basic knowledge of trauma andContinue reading “Third APPG report: Survivors’ experience of court and applying for compensation”
