The Blog
On the Trees of Hope blog, you will find prevention advice, tips, stories of hope, and encouragement for survivors.
The Neurobiology of Sexual Trauma | Understanding the Brain’s Response and Pathways to Healing
Sexual trauma has a profound impact on the brain’s function and responses. Understanding these responses is an essential step in healing.
Addressing Puberty with Your Pre-Teen
Parents must approach the subject of puberty with their pre-teen in a way that shows empathy and nurtures trust.
Church Authority vs. Biblical Authority: How and When to Report Abuse
Survivors of sexual abuse often face immense challenges in reporting their experiences, especially when the perpetrator holds a position of spiritual authority within the church.
Teaching Your Teens Situational Awareness
Cultivating situational awareness is one of the best ways to empower your teen as they navigate a changing world.
Encouragement for Parents: Your Influence Matters
Be encouraged, parents! Your influence holds the greatest power to shape your child's heart and mind.
A Guide to Setting Boundaries for Sexual Abuse Survivors
Establishing boundaries is an important step in healing for sexual abuse survivors. This practical guide can help you start setting healthy limits.
Protecting Children Online: Safeguarding Against Risks in Apps and Chatrooms
Apps provide children with numerous opportunities for learning, socializing, and entertainment, but they also harbor many potential dangers.
Preventing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Addressing and preventing sexual harassment is not just a legal requirement for employers, but also a moral necessity to cultivate a safe, healthy, and productive work setting.
Sexual Abuse and the Church
Churches should be a sanctuary for those healing from trauma, yet survivors of sexual abuse often feel ignored or disbelieved when they bravely share their stories with leaders or counselors.
How Parents Can Prevent Their Child from Being Exploited Online
To protect children from online exploitation, a multi-pronged approach is needed, including educating children and parents, open communication, monitoring online activity, and implementing robust safety measures.
Sexual Abuse Prevention at Every Age
Parents must be proactive about preventing sexual abuse. Age-appropriate conversations about sex are a great place to start.
Sexual Abuse and Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is more pervasive than you may think and is closely tied to sexual abuse.
Recognizing the Symptoms of PTSD in a Child
Children who have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may display a variety of symptoms that can manifest differently depending on the child's age and personality.
Healing a Shattered Identity After Sexual Trauma
Sexual abuse leaves a survivor with a shattered sense of self. Trees of Hope wants to help you rebuild your true identity of unchanging truths.
Myths About Male Sexual Abuse Victims
While sexual assault is often viewed as a crime mainly affecting women, it is equally traumatic for men and more common than many realize. Regardless of gender identity, survivors of sexual violence may experience intense anger, shame, guilt, powerlessness, fear for their safety, and reluctance to speak out.
What is Sexual Abuse? A Quick Guide for Parents
Sexual abuse involves both physical contact and non-physical actions. Parents should educate themselves on the different forms of abuse and how to notice changes in their child's behavior. Although learning about abuse may be uncomfortable, understanding warning signs is a crucial first step in protecting children. All types of abuse can have lasting impacts on a child.
How to Recognize Self-Blame and Its Effects
Many sexual abuse survivors blame themselves for what happened. Feelings of shame, guilt, and self-blame can lead victims to despair. If you are feeling like this, you are not alone. Hope and healing is possible. Trees of Hope can provide guidance and a safe space for discussing feelings of self-blame.
How Parents Can Teach Body Safety To Their Children
Body safety education should begin at an early age, and it is the parent's responsibility to use appropriate language and concepts suitable for their child's age. Creating an environment that is open, supportive, and free from judgment can help to ensure that children feel comfortable discussing matters related to their bodies with their parents. This will help the child to feel more secure and understand the importance of body safety.
6 Sexual Abuse Myths Every Parent Needs to Know
There are so many misconceptions regarding sexual abuse that can contribute to even the most well-meaning and attentive of parents letting their guard down unintentionally. It is crucial that parents are well-informed about sexual abuse so that they can protect their children and create a safe environment.
8 Crucial Conversations Parents Must Have with Their Teens Before Sending Them to College
As students head back to college campuses this fall or are even flying the nest for their first year at college, parents are busy helping them prepare with everything from dorm supplies to tuition payments! Amongst all the prep and planning, at the forefront of every parent’s mind is the safety of their now not-so-little ones while they are away from home and from their protection.