The Northern Ohio REACH Coalition rightly prides itself on helping victims grow to become survivors and then thrivers. We applaud these gains. Those of us with sexual convictions are never victims. However, we can be viewed as survivors of our prison journey even if that journey was due to our choices. This promotes community safety. Sexual offenders have the ability to learn how to thrive and make a difference in their communities. Everyone can feel safer and more productive when both survivors and those who have abused also thrive. This involves accepting the consequences of past behavior and advocating for humanity and recovery. The judgement of many people creates barriers. Many people believe that pedophilia is incurable and untreatable, but research and hard work allow many of us to thrive. Robert Longo lists seventeen areas where those of us with sexual convictions need to achieve for community safety, which will be examined in further detail in this presentation with the end goal of helping people thrive. In this session, the presenters will discuss the importance of involving mental health agencies to assist in confronting any denial or minimization. This also is important when family reunification takes place. A cooperative arrangement of individuals, family members, mental health, and law enforcement can work together to enhance community safety and a thriving population. The more we establish this sense of community, the better the opportunity to have restorative individuals all living together. The presentation will feature both discussion and slides to reinforce the concepts of healing.
Trigger Warning: This presentation contains information (written, spoken, or visual) that may be triggering or (re)traumatizing to attendees.
James Prager is a proud member of Northern Ohio REACH and has his master’s in social work. James also has a sexual conviction. Today, he utilizes his skills and experiences to mentor and pursue restorative justice principles and to bring diverse groups together.
Matthew Rosenberg is a Masters level licensed clinical social worker with experience in evaluation, treatment/therapy, consultation, and specialized training. He has worked with sexual abuse victims and their respective family members, spouses, abusers, sexual addicts, and sexually reactive children. He is the author of Understanding, Assessing, and Treating Sexual Offenders.