Find PEACE, Allow Traumas to HEAL through the Arts
We are a Non-Profit 501 (c) 3 Org
An Artist Journey
of self-discovery
At 43 years old, I Never understood who I really was or why.
Until one day a special education
student triggered the realization of a
lifetime of child abuse,
Physical, Emotional and Sexual.
My husband, of 20 years at the time, looked at me and said
"YOU FINIALLY MAKE SENSE,
let's get you some help!"
My foundation crumbled and
ART 4 a PURPOSE . ORG
was born.
Watch our YouTube Video YOU ARE NEVER ALONE
GROOMING HAPPENS
WATCH FOR THE SIGNS
HOW IT HAPPENS
- The child or young person is targeted. While any child can be sexually abused, some perpetrators may target children that are particularly vulnerable. For example, children and young people that are socially isolated or are part of a marginalised social, economic, racial or cultural group.
- Building trust. Perpetrators often present as trustworthy, reputable, generous, and likeable, and may build a child or young person’s trust through special attention or gifts. In some situations, whole families or organisations can be groomed as a result of the perceived trustworthiness of a perpetrator.
- Isolation. Perpetrators may progressively isolate a child or young person from supportive family and friends, and may seek to fill roles in a child or young person’s life that provide practical or emotional support.
- Sexualisation. Perpetrators may gradually introduce sexualised content or discussions to a child or young person in order to normalise this behaviour. They will often then exploit this to encourage or coerce the child to engage in sexual activity, produce child sexual abuse imagery or participate in sexualised in-person or virtual chats. This behaviour may escalate slowly or quickly.
- Control. Perpetrators often use secrecy, shame, blame, coercion and threats to maintain control in order to perpetuate the abuse and ensure the child or young person’s silence.
SIGNS TO WATCH OUT FOR
- developing an unusually close connection with an older person
- having gifts or money from new friends or someone that they cannot account for
- being very secretive about their phone, internet or social media use
- going missing for long periods of time
- appearing extremely tired, including at school
- being dishonest about who they have been with and where they have been
- substance misuse
- assuming a new name, having false identification, a stolen passport or driver licence, or a new phone
- being collected from school by an older or new friend
TIPS TO KEEP THEM SAFE
- understand safe and unsafe behaviours and situations, including being able to identify early warning signs and their body's natural reactions when they feel unsafe, worried, or scared. These may include feeling butterflies, and having sweaty palms and a racing pulse
- practice safe online behaviour, including deleting and blocking requests and messages from people they don't know, and reviewing and updating privacy settings
- know what to do and who to talk to if something feels uncomfortable, as well as what support services are available if they are unsure or if something has happened
- say no to requests to engage in unsafe behaviors or sexual advances
- block unsafe users, make a complaint to social media companies and report online grooming
- understand body boundaries, respectful relationships and consent
- feel safe and protected when disclosing what is happening to them.
LOOK FOR THE SIGNS
Symptoms
Children of Sexual Abuse
It's RARE for a child to Disclose ABUSE
they do not have the vocabulary to let you know what happened
watch for signs
SEE something? SAY something...
IT'S THE LAW
PHYSICAL SIGNS
- headaches
- stomach aches
- bed-wetting
- change in appetite
- bulimia
- weight loss
- nightmares and sleep disturbances
- bruises on soft parts of the body, like buttocks or thighs
- changes in the genital area, such as redness, swelling or discharge
- sexually transmitted infections
- pain or burning when going to the toilet, including frequent urinary tract infections
BEHAVIORAL SIGNS
- depression, anxiety and mood changes, including social withdrawal and disassociation
- sudden disinterest in previously enjoyed activities
- self-harm or suicidal ideation
- poor self-care or personal hygiene
- harmful and volatile substance use
- over-compliance and eagerness to please
- aggressiveness and anger
- running away
- sexual knowledge or activity that is inappropriate for their age
- overly sexualised behaviours, including towards other children or adults, dressing in highly sexualised ways or mimicking sexual activity during games
- drawings or descriptions that are sexually explicit and not age appropriate
- early or excessive use of pornography
- displaying intense fear or discomfort if topics related to sex (including child sexual abuse) are raised
- desexualisation – for example, wearing baggy clothes to hide their gender
- anxiety-related illnesses such as anorexia or bulimia
- unusual or new fears, such as avoidance of certain people and places, being alone or being close to others
- asking questions or making references to secrets and unusual ‘games’.
Signs of ONLINE Child Sexual Abuse
- a sudden change in use of technology, including spending a lot more or less time online, texting, gaming or using social media
- being secretive about online activities, including who they are interacting with and where they spend time using their devices (for example, going to another room)
- using devices at unusual hours
- secretly creating new accounts
- becoming distressed after receiving notifications
- becoming panicked about losing access to their device
- talking about a new friend or someone they met online
- making comments that hint something may have happened online, such as asking questions about whether parents can see what they do online.
SYMPTOMS OF SEXUAL ABUSE IN TEENS
AbuseRS are most often family members or people you and your child know well.
CHANGES IN EMOTIONS
- quieter or more distant than usual
- cries for no obvious reason
- starts to wet the bed or soil their pants
- asks questions like ‘Do people have to keep secrets?’
- is aggressive or seems angry for no obvious reason
- becomes unusually eager to please
- loses interest in activities they usually enjoy
- is clingy.
- seems scared
- depression
- anxiety
CHANGES IN BEHAVIORS
- no longer interested in playing or avoids particular places or people
- behaving in sexual ways that aren’t appropriate for their developmental stage or age
- having difficulty falling or staying asleep, having nightmares, sleeping a lot, or wanting to sleep near others
- eating more or less than usual and is gaining or losing weight
- doing less well at school
- reluctant to look after their personal care and hygiene
- using language that is sexual or explicit
- behaving like a younger child.
- dressing differently
- wearing new clothing or shoes, or using bags, jewellery or electronics they can’t or won’t explain
- engaging in harmful sexual behaviour, including risky sexual activity
- spending a lot of time online and being secretive about their online activity and communications
- eating differently
- having difficulty falling or staying asleep, having nightmares, or sleeping too much.
- self-harm
- dangerous activies
CHANGES IN EMOTIONS
- aggressive or seems angry for no apparent reason
- getting angry, upset or fearful when a particular person or place is mentioned
- having trouble developing or maintaining relationships
- crying for no obvious reason
- showing signs of low self-esteem
- depression
- confused about their sexual identity
CHANGES IN SCHOOL/SOCIAL LIFE
- avoiding particular people or places, like a friend’s house or a sports group
- avoiding activities or events that they previously enjoyed, or asks questions like ‘Do I have to go to music today?’
- doing less well at school.
- spending more time on their own than usual
- hanging out with different people
PHYSICAL SIGNS
- swelling, bruising, bleeding, redness or irritation in the genital area
- pain or discomfort when going to the toilet
- difficulty walking or sitting
- has headaches or stomach aches with no obvious physical causes
- bruises on soft parts of their body, like buttocks or thighs
- repeated urinary tract infections
- symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection, like discharge from the penis or vagina
- signs of pregnancy.
MANEFESTATIONS IN ADULTS
Many Adults Block out their Abuse until they are safe to process the hurt and pain
Long term effects from sexual abuse are varied and complex – it is different for each adult that had to cope to survive.
EMOTIONAL REACTIONS
- Emotions such as fear, shame, humiliation, guilt, and self–blame are common and lead to depression and anxiety.
- Symptoms of posttraumatic stress (PTSD)
- Survivors may experience intrusive or recurring thoughts of the abuse as well as nightmares or flashbacks.
- Distorted self-perception
- Survivors often develop a belief that they caused the sexual abuse and that they deserved it. These beliefs may result in self-destructive relationships
PHYSICAL EFFECTS NOT LIMITED TO
- Chronic and diffuse pain
- gastrointestinal issues IBS/stomach ulcers/chronic indigestion
- increased risk of high blood pressure/heart disease and..
- lower pain threshold
- anxiety/depression
- self-neglect
- chronic pelvic pain
- fear of pelvic exams
- sleep disorders
- insomnia/sleep apnea/night terrors
- eating disorders
- abuse of drugs/alcohol
- smoking
- inactive
- physically obese
SEXUAL EFFECTS
- disturbances around sex
- gynecologic problems
- unhealthy view or avoidance of
BEHAVIORAL SIGNS
- avoidance
- substance misuse
- harmful sexual behavior
- self-harm
- withdrawal and isolation
PTSD
- intrusive memories
- flashbacks
- anxiety
- sleeping issues
- feeling on edge
ANXIETY
- panic attacks
- constant worry
- low mood
- hopelessness
- lack of interest
DISSOCIATION
- is common - feeling disconnected from oneself of the environment - manifesting as "OUT OF BODY" experiences of severe detachment
PERSONALITY DISORDERS
- borderline personality disorder
- unstable moods
- unstable relationships
There is GREAT LIFE after discovery and disclosure.
You are NEVER ALONE, You are NEVER FORGOTTEN REACH OUT - GET THE HELP YOU DESERVE.
There IS GREAT BEAUTY FOR YOU TO EXPERIENCE!
usa -National Sexual Assault Hotline- Available 24/7
REACH OUT FOR HELP - DON'T BE AFRAID OF PROFESSIONAL THERAPY - GET A MEDICAL EVALUATION -JOIN SUPPORT GROUPS - FIND A GOOD SPACE - CONSIDER LEGAL ACTION after you are in a safe place
Call or text 988LIFELINE.ORG help 24/7
Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line 747141 help 24/7
Call 911 or your local emergency services IF you feel SAFE to do so.
If you are helping another - PLEASE STAY WITH THEM UNTIL HELP ARRIVES - remove weapons or substances that can cause harm IF YOU CAN DO SO SAFELY
If you are not in the same place as them, STAY WITH THEM ON THE PHONE UNTIL HELP ARRIVES.
RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline
https://rainn.org/help-and-healing/hotline/
Department of Justice Resources for Victims and Survivors
CRISIS TEXT LINE
Text 741741
https://www.crisistextline.org/topics/sexual-abuse/
Hotlines for Victims and Survivors
https://www.niwrc.org/hotlines-victims-and-survivors
Department of Defense Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office
https://www.sapr.mil/dod-safe-helpline
Chat Line for survivors - domestic, dating, and or sexual violence
BRAVEHEARTS.ORG
Darkness to Light
Characteristics of an Abuser
Child molesters come from all walks of life: male or female, rich or poor, employed or unemployed, religious or non-religious, and can be from any race.
1. Is usually married. A small number never marry and maintain a lifelong interest in children.
2. Most often an adult male; however, adolescents and women also molest children.
3. May relate better to children and feel more comfortable with their interests.
4. May have few adult friends.
5. May talk with children as one would talk to an adult in order to equalize the relationship.
6. Usually prefers children in a specific age group and one gender over the other.
7. May work or volunteer with programs involving children in the preferred age group.
8. Pursues children for sexual purposes but may attempt to form emotional connections; for example, a mom’s boyfriend spending time with a child and talking at length about his feelings for the child and his own loneliness in order to gain the child’s sympathy.
9. May take photographs of victims: dressed, nude, or in sexual acts.
10. May collect child erotica and child-adult pornography to lower the inhibitions of victims; fantasize when no victim is available; relive past sexual activities; justify inappropriate sexual behavior; or blackmail victims to keep them from telling.
11. May give alcohol or drugs to potential victims to lower inhibitions or gain favor.
12. May seek out organizations that support sexual beliefs and practices.
13. May offer to babysit or take children on trips in order to manipulate situations to be near or molest children.
- Lack of Empathy: An inability or unwillingness to recognize how their actions affect or cause discomfort to others.
- Entitlement: A belief that their desires override other people's rights, boundaries, or comfort.
- Narcissism & Manipulation: Use of psychological tricks like guilt-tripping, blame-shifting, and playing the victim to elicit sympathy and make targets obligated to them.
- Impulsivity: Poor emotional regulation and a general disregard for the consequences of their actions before they occur
- Testing Boundaries: Pushing the victim's limits incrementally over time to see what they can get away with before facing resistance.
- Isolation: Deliberately separating a target (whether a child or an adult) from friends, family, or support systems to avoid detection.
- Creating Secrecy: Swearing victims to secrecy using emotional manipulation, intimidation, or threats (e.g., "This is just our secret").
- Boundary Disregard: Continuing to insist on their own desires despite clear verbal or physical reluctance from the victim
- Double Standards: Demanding complete compliance, availability, and attention from the victim while maintaining the right to do whatever they please
- Exploiting Trust: Frequently operating within close relationships (family members, trusted coworkers, or authority figures) where they can manipulate communal trust
- The molestation usually occurs over an extended period of time, occasionally into the victim’s adulthood. Through intimidation, the child is made to feel responsible for the molestation and for keeping the acts secret. This secret is normally kept between the offender and the victim, or within the immediate family.
Your response to a victim's disclosure is Vitally IMPORTANT
What to do if a child or young person discloses harm to you
- The offender has told them not to tell, often with accompanying threats such as, “they will take you away from your family if you tell”.
- They think they will get into trouble.
- They feel guilty or ashamed.
- They feel that no one will believe them.
If a child or young person discloses to you, try to follow these steps:
- Listen carefully to all they say.
- Tell them you believe them and it’s not their fault.
- Let them know you will do everything in your power to help them, but do not make promises.
- Let the child know that you will need to tell someone to help keep them safe. Though this may upset the child, it is very important that you act protectively and in the child’s best interest.
- Do not force them to talk about it, you are there to listen to what they want to tell you.
- Do not use direct or leading questions.
- Do what you need to do to make the child feel safe.
- Importantly: follow your obligation to report as soon as practically possible.
- When documenting, use the child’s exact words as best you can.
DO NOT FORCE THEM TO TALK - GET HELP FOR THEM
BROKEN can be a Beautiful Opportunity
Breaking open can be a blessing - if we allow it.
It gives us space
to allow the light
to shine through us.
NEVER GIVE UP - REACH OUT
YOU ARE NEVER ALONE
Experience the GOOD VIBRATIONS
of a gentle Reiki Healing session.
Reiki is a form of energy healing that translates from its original Japanese to “Universal Life Force.” The practice consists of a person lying or sitting fully clothed, while a Reiki practitioner gently places their hands
on or above the client’s body. Reiki flows through the practitioner and into the client.
The body's natural state is balance. During the Reiki session, the energy flowing from the practitioner’s hands
gently helps bring body, mind, emotions, and spirit into a balanced state of well-being.
Reiki is NOT a religion, spiritual practice, or medical treatment. It is simply a gentle flow of energy, which can leave the recipient relaxed, refreshed and peaceful. It is currently offered in more than 800 hospitals in the US,
and some MDs even use Reiki healers in their operating rooms.
While Reiki is not a massage, clients frequently become so physically and mentally relaxed
they fall into a peaceful, rejuvenating sleep during their session.
Reiki can do no harm as it comes from pure Love.
To prepare for your Reiki session: · Try to wear thin, soft, comfortable, breathable fabrics.
· On the day before your session, hydrate well and avoid alcohol and/or recreational drugs.
· Eat light, nourishing meals and try to avoid tea/soft drinks containing stimulants like caffeine.
Reiki is not a substitute for a doctor’s care, but can be a powerful,
positive compliment to traditional medical treatment.
Do you have a question for a LOVED ONE who has transitioned?
There are many ways to lift your
vibration to connect to your loved ones on the other side- but grief can get in the way
when we are trying.
Ask us your question and we will do our best to connect for you.
We also have a great many recourses that we can refer you to -
that will connect for you as well.
EMPOWERING A POSITIVE WORLD
ONE WORD AT A TIME
HOPE
With a Donation -
We can send you a black and white JPEG to color and frame. PLEASE reference Art 4 a Purpose . Org whenever using this Artwork so we can continue our universal ministry.
Thank You!
LOVE
DREAM * INSPIRE CREATE * HEAL
With a Donation -
We can send you a black and white JPEG to color and frame. PLEASE reference Art 4 a Purpose . Org whenever using this Artwork so we can continue our universal ministry.
Thank You!
PEACE
With a Donation -
We can send you a black and white JPEG to color and frame. PLEASE reference Art 4 a Purpose . Org whenever using this Artwork so we can continue our universal ministry.
Thank You!
Other Words created - but not limited to what you can Receive
Word Art-United we stand-broken crayons still color-PEACE-LOVE-FAITH-HOPE-COURAGE-HARMONY-OPTIONS-WONDER-JOY/JOYFUL-GOD HAS NO RELIGION-LOVE IS SEEING GOD IN THE PERSON NEXT TO US & MEDITATION IS SEEING GOD WITHIN US-LOVE ONE ANOTHER-LOVE THE WHOLE WORLD AS A MOTHER LOVES HER ONLY CHILD- GODDESS-OM-LAUGH-PEACE LOVE OM-TOLERANCE-JOY-REJOICE-NOEL-YOU CAN'T HAVE UNITY WITHOUT DIVERSITY-BE LOVE-MANIFEST YOUR DREAMS-NO BUDDY LIKE A BRO-BROTHER 4 SALE-SISTERS WILL PICK YOU UP AS SOON AS THEY FINISH LAUGHING-BEAUTYTRATITUDE CHANGES EVERYTHING-GRATITUDE-HONOR-KINDNESS-FLOWERS BLOOM BECAUSE OF THE RAIN-LEARN GROW HELP OTHERS HEAL-FAITHFUL-GRATEFUL THANKFUL BLESSED-BE OF SERVICE-SMILE-YOUR VIBE ATTRACTS YOUR TRIBE-THE RICH MUST LIVE MORE SIMPLY SO THAT THE POOR MAY SIMPLY LIVE-COMPASSION-SURVIVOR-WORTHY-LIVE LIFE & SHINE-UNITY FOR ALL- NO PRESSURE NO DIAMONDS-IF THER ARE NO UPS & DOWNS IN YOUR LIFE, IT MEANS YOU'RE DEAD- RESILIENCE-HAVE FUN-YOUR SPEED DOESN'T MATTER...FORWARD IS FORWARD-CONTENT-WHEN NOTHING GOES RIGHT, GO LEFT-THE WORLD NEEDS YOU, BE BETTER EVERYDAY-BLACK LIVES MATTER-WE MAY HAVE ALL COME ON DIFFERENT SHIPS, BUT WE'RE IN THE SAME BOAT NOW-BLACK LIVES MATTER TOO-ALL LIVES MATTER-LIVE YOUR LIFE TO BE A BLESSING TO OTHERS-BE LOVE-ITS TIME TO USE YOUR SUPER-POWER FOR GOOD-WHAT WOULD YOU ASK?HOW WOULD THEY RESPOND?- ANDT THEY WONDER WHY WE DON'T SHOW OURSELVES-OWL NOT GIVE UP EMBRACE.PINK-LOVE WILL TAKE YOU ALL THE WAY-JOY IS IN THE JOURNEY-JOY IS THE KEY-NAMESTE-(WORDLESS: FLOWERS-SUNS)-INDIVIDUAL NAMES
YOU NAME IT - WE CAN DRAW IT
CUSTOM WORKS OF ART CREATED
Interested in a Custom Piece of Art for your very own?
CONTACT US - we have connections to Artists in all mediums.
We do our best to Program our Community Outreach around Your Goals and Your Needs:
Therapy K-9 - Gentle Giant - Takoda
Healing Arts - REIKE
Henna ARTS
WORD ART
Custom Works of Art
Spiritual Minister, Wedding, Baptism, Funeral, Sacred Ceremony
Spiritual Consultation for questions answered to loved ones passed
Child Abuse Education with Free books when available
Group Art Classes
Art 4 a Purpose . Org
Base Location
South Mountains
North Carolina USA
RETREAT CENTER
IN THE PROCESS
At an undisclosed destination
(FOR NOW)
Somewhere in the Universe
Further links
Contact by E-mail:
Contact by Google Voice
Be sure to text or leave a message.
We do not have time to answer
"SUSPECTED SPAM CALLS"
Thank you for Understanding