Kevin Peterson is an expert in the correlation of substance abuse and child abuse.  In this podcast, Kevin talks about the steps and shares, "The 12th step is 'carry the message'!"His childhood was overshadowed by his mom's hidden prescription drug abuse, and they, as children, were taught to lie to cover for her.  By the age of 13, he himself was drinking and using drugs, and he liked it.  At the age of 26, his father told him they loved him but were done.  His parents were making a change, and that meant, he was out.On May 5, 1991, he got sober and has been ever since.  In 2007, he had a midlife crisis, got out of sales and decided he wanted to change the world.He graduated college in 2011 and started his own practice where he works with families who are struggling with addiction.  And that, involves kids - direct and overtly or indirect and covertly.In his work, he helps people once they are sober and need to deal with the "stuff".Takeaways from this podcast:It is not our job to be perfect; it is our job to own our imperfections and model healing, growth and a willingness to improve.Showing children how to take responsibility for your behavior and actions, how to take care of yourself and how to acknowledge when you’ve made a mistake.Being perfect is a waste of time; they’re watching you.  If they’re watching you get high all day, they’re going to get high all day.Starts with consistency, level of expectation how to treat each other.  Everyone has a voice.  Kids need a witness, they need someone there.Your kid really just wants to hang out with you.Kevin has authored the book, "Chronic Hope: Families and Addiction"Resources: www.chronichope.us

In this episode, Lori Poland is joined by Alli Meyerhardt, the founder and executive director of Breaking Silence, a national organization designed to give a voice to survivors of abuse. As a survivor herself, Alli knew that the story many had to share would pave the way to ending sexual assault and domestic violence. She followed this vision and began a nonprofit that focuses on teaching people about the consequences of sexual assault, ways in which they can prevent it, and the realities of consent.  The Louder than Silence podcast is brought to you by the National Foundation to End Child Abuse and Neglect (EndCAN): www.endcan.org Takeaways: We need to believe in the power of people’s stories and to teach people to accept those stories and create safe spaces. Stories need to be felt with love and kindness rather than saying, “we don’t talk about it.” “I believe you, I hear you, I am so sorry that happened to you,” should be the response to anyone who shares their story.  Everyone needs to humanize people’s stories and learn to feel it. The goal of Breaking Silence and the work they do is to create a world full of advocates. The definition of "safe" is different for every person.  We need to be protectors of all. It is not easy to get someone curious when they don’t want to talk about “it.” It is not always your responsibility to change someone else’s mind, but compassionate listening is necessary. If you are open to hearing, then go and listen.  Become a learner.  There is someone in your life who has been impacted by violence.  Quote of the Show: “A universal truth is we all feel pain. We are all human.”  Links: Breaking Silence - www.breakingsilence.org

In this episode, Lori Poland is once again joined by fellow survivor, Jon Vaughn.  To change things up, Jon interviews Lori about her experiences as a survivor. The Louder than Silence podcast is brought to you by the National Foundation to End Child Abuse and Neglect (EndCAN): www.endcan.org  Episode Takeaways: What made Lori write her book?  “When we are survivors, there is a developmental process, and my sentences became paragraphs, and then a book.  It is one of the faces of survivorship – we start as a victim, then move out of that phase and transition into survivorship and then into being a thriver and then when you’re through finding ‘your own’, you transition to transcender.” The title is, “I Live Here” which details her life story, starting with her kidnapping at the age of 3. When she was found by rescuers at the bottom of an outhouse toilet, she told them, "I live here."Children do not know what normal is, so what they are experiencing may seem normal to them without realizing it is abuse.    The narrative of her story was only what she had been told by family, and it was their story, not her's.  Every time she was interviewed publicly, they accused her making parts of the story up and the more this happened, the more she did research and saw details that she was not aware of.  Their narrative and her experience were not the same. The history of books is “his” story in everyone’s own perspective.  And, you have to own your perspective and truth and defend it. It’s okay to not have a family in the way most people envision.  You’re going to have family that will never leave because they are touched by your story. Always take time for yourself; wounds don’t heal in a day. We have to be able to say no, to society, to parents, to abusers, to anyone trying to hurt you.  Quotes of the Show: "Transcenders are people who turn around and give it back. ""Don’t be concerned about people talking, be concerned when they aren’t."Links: Lori's book, "I Live Here" - https://endcan.org/2022/07/11/lori-poland-memoir/

In this episode, Lori Poland is joined by Stephanie Knapp, a supervisory child and adolescent forensic interviewer for the FBI's child victim services unit.The Louder than Silence podcast is brought to you by the National Foundation to End Child Abuse and Neglect (EndCAN): www.endcan.org Episode Time Markers1:00 - Lori introduces Stephanie Knapp and shares their connection 4:22 - Here we are! 4:50 - Stephanie shares her background and what she does in the world 7:43 - Today’s topic introduction: sex trafficking 8:16 - The “layperson’s” description of sex trafficking 9:20 - What trafficking really is 10:26 - Language and why it matters 12:20 - Our most vulnerable population 12:50 - Who is impacted by trafficking? 15:00 - What are the traffickers doing to victimize our kids? 15:40 - How do we identify the risks and what do we need to know about the traffickers? 16:55 - What the most important thing to recognize about trafficking 17:50 - We need to acknowledge trafficking is happening and how can individuals make a difference 18:13 - Most important way to help prevent, acknowledge, and identify abuse 20:43 - What do you do as a teen when you have concerns? 22:00 - Helping kids prepare for if “they get that feeling” 23:34 - Who do I call, where do I go, what are my resources if I “know” something 26:25 - How big of a problem is trafficking actually? 28:40 - Easiest, best way to protect the children 29:30 - The power in one Resources: National Human Trafficking Hotline: https://humantraffickinghotline.org/en Local FBI Field Offices: https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices

In this episode, Lori Poland is joined by Dr. Desmond Runyan.  Dr. Runyan is a member of the Board for EndCAN and has researched child abuse for over 30 years while maintaining a clinical practice evaluating possible child abuse victims and serving as a general pediatrician. He has published over 170 articles, book chapters and books. His research has addressed the identification and consequences of child abuse and neglect in the United States and in other countries.    The Louder than Silence podcast is brought to you by the National Foundation to End Child Abuse and Neglect (EndCAN): www.endcan.orgEpisode Time Markers 1:12 - Lori introduces Des 2:03 - Des shares his story 3:33 - The focus of this podcast episode 4:45 - What exactly is child neglect ? 6:02 - Definition of neglect 8:02 - The potential for harm 9:38 - The complexities of neglect 12:09 - Injury by neglect reporting 13:08 - Standard protocols by hospitals 15:08 - Surveys and reporting 16:08 - International reporting 17:30 - Stigma of the added shame and guilt of the system 19:40 - SafeCare  22:14 - Nurse vs. social services approach 24:13 - The correlation of shame and guilt 26:08 - Teen parents and neglect 27:30 - What can someone who observes neglect do? 28:59 - What can someone do that does not involve social services? 29:55 - How can people help themselves 32:29 - Advice for parents no matter where they live 33:37 - Wrap up ResourcesSafeCare Colorado: https://cdec.colorado.gov/safecare-coloradoThe Kempe Foundation: https://kempe.org/Tennyson Center for Children: https://www.tennysoncenter.org/

Lori Poland is once again joined by fellow survivor Jon Vaughn. In this installment, Vaughn discusses the sexual abuse he experienced while playing football at the University of Michigan.    The Louder than Silence podcast is brought to you by the National Foundation to End Child Abuse and Neglect (EndCAN).  Episode Time Markers1:02- Lori introduces Jon Vaughn 2:01- “That doesn’t happen in my neighborhood” 2:38- Jon shares his story 4:13- Rite of passage to college destroyed 5:30- 40-year reign of terror 6:45- The range of emotions felt 8:40- The beginning of the memories 11:50- Looking back and thinking the screenings were “normal” 13:41 - The realization of “wait, this isn’t normal”? 15:51- Jon shares his childhood memories and how college was his exit strategy 17:45- Being part of the team, the program, etc., you are part of something that is bigger than you 19:00- Children are born to trust 22:00 - Stopped contacting victims . . . it was just too numerous to find out the number of victims 23:00 - What Jon is discovering as a 50-year-old 23:55 - Why Jon is sharing his story 24:24 - A lesson for our listeners 25:30 - The lighthouse in the storm

In today’s episode, Lori is joined by Tom Krumins, Executive Director of Keep Kids Safe.  Tom considers himself a wanderer, a builder and a storyteller.  A survivor himself, he is committed to advancing trauma-informed solutions through policy, education, and community mobilization. As a visionary civic entrepreneur, Tom believes in developing new and innovative organizational models that encourage positive change throughout society. The Louder than Silence podcast is brought to you by the National Foundation to End Child Abuse and Neglect (EndCAN). Episode Time Markers1:01 - Tom Krumins introduction2:40 - Tom shares who he is and what he’s doing in the world 3:25 - How he is “building the movement” 4:56 - Why Tom is in this space 5:50 - Netflix documentary, “Scout’s Honor” 9:18 - What is sexual abuse? 11:06 - The fear of talking about child abuse 14:48 - Tom’s thoughts on why we don’t talk about “it” 18:35 - Trusting blindly and wanting to matter 19:50 - Tom’s biggest fear in this work 21:30 - Trusting to get out of victimhood and into survivorship 22:45 - Transcendence in our world 23:19 - How can our listeners get help?  Either with themselves or the communities26:12 - Closing comments  ResourcesKeep Kids Safe: www.keepkidssafe.us Scout's Honor documentary: https://www.netflix.com/title/81477233

In today’s episode, Lori is joined by Dr. Stuart Hart, Founding Director of the Office for the Study of the Psychological Rights of the Child and Professor Emeritus of the School of Education, Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis. He is the present Chairperson for the Children’s Rights Section within the Child Well-Being and Advocacy Committee and Past President of the International School Psychology Association, the Past President of the National Association of School Psychologists (USA), and the Past-President of the National Committee for the Rights of the Child (USA). Dr. Hart co-directed, with Marla Brassard of Columbia University, a national study that produced the operational definitions for psychological maltreatment of children now used in many parts of the world.  The Louder than Silence podcast is brought to you by the National Foundation to End Child Abuse and Neglect (EndCAN).  Episode Time Markers1:05 - Welcome and introduction of Dr. Stuart Hart 1:56 - Stuart shares a little about himself  3:55 - Psychological Rights of the Children Declaration 5:25 - What topic in the “abuse space” is still under addressed? 7:20 - The definition of psychological abuse 8:20 - Primary prevention 10:03 - Article found on Psychological Maltreatment Alliance site 11:44 - The definition of psychological maltreatment of children as explained by Stuart 14:15 - Conceptual definition including denying emotional responsiveness 16:15 - The basic human fundamental needs for safety, physical wellbeing, support, love and belonging 19:50 - The Violence Project 20:55 - Establishing the harm that psychological maltreatment does 24:03 - Research to support the interactive process with children and / or partners 26:35 - Podcast wrap up  Resourceshttps://www.psychologicalmaltreatment.org/ https://www.theviolenceproject.org/  Email: info@psychologicalmaltreatment.org

In this episode, Lori is once again joined by fellow survivor, Jon Vaughn.    The Louder than Silence podcast is brought to you by the National Foundation to End Child Abuse and Neglect (EndCAN). Episode Time Markers 1:00 - Lori introduces Jon Vaughn  2:40 - As survivors, we are redefining the definition of hero 5:09 - Expectations of those sharing their story 5:50 - Jon shares the process of speaking his truth 8:50 - Definition of betrayal 11:34 - Jon shares who is “person” was throughout his life 16:11 - Conversation about superheroes 18:20 - “The campsite” on the President’s house on South Michigan 21:45 - The fighters on the frontline 23:30 - Putting yourself on the line and sense of surrendership 25:15 - The consequences of you 27:10 - Survivor, thriver and transcender 28:10 - Jon, the survivor of many things 30:00 - Unconditional trust 30:50 - Taking ownership of the prey 32:23 - Paying if forward 32:40 - Closing ResourcesTrinea Gonczar's impact statement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAJJJkLC4-c&t=3s

In this episode, Lori is joined by Kalpashree Gupta, owner of Knekxt Group, LLC.  She is also a survivor of child sexual abuse and shares her advice for others in moving forward through their journey of healing so they can reclaim their lives.  She wants to help people survive and thrive.  Episode Time Markers0:36 - Lori’s introduction of Kalpashree 1:57- Kalpashree shares about herself 3:19- Kalpashree’s primary intention for survivors of child sexual abuse 6:00 - We don’t measure severity  6:56 - Getting out of the mindset of shame and brokenness 7:45 - Kalpashree’s coaching 8:38 - Deep, rich conversations about audience and the only way to end the abuse 10:24 - How receptive is the corporate world to being trauma-informed?  13:38 - The world has moved 16:34 - The moment Kalpashree knew she needed to do something different  18:28 - Forgiving people 19:57 - Reclaiming her voice 20:30 - Being the voice of her inner child 21:36 - Knowing our journey 24:13 - Two lessons for our listeners 27:07 - Wrapping up Links Find Kalpashree on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalpashreegupta/ Find Kalpashree on TikTok: knekxt.com www.knekxt.com

In this episode, Lori is joined by Stacie LeBlanc, JD, MEd. Stacie is CEO and co-founder of The UP Institute, a think tank for upstream child abuse solutions and the executive director of UP for Champions, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) providing programs and services to child maltreatment professionals. Stacie began her career as a child abuse prosecutor more than 25 years ago. She opened Child Advocacy Centers in rural and urban parishes in Louisiana, became the chief of the Felony Child Abuse Division, and began the Family Violence Program. She received the “Outstanding Prosecutor Award” from Victims and Citizens Against Crime for the unit’s 94% conviction rate and the prosecution of a 20-year-old child rape case, which garnered national media attention. :58 - Introduction of Stacie LeBlanc 1:57 -Overview of difficulty of this subject matter 2:25 -Introduction the topic of Physical Abuse 3:10 -What is the definition of physical abuse? 4:45 -What is reasonable in terms of physical abuse? 5:51 -Linking state law and federal law 7:12 -Physical abuse vs. physical discipline 8:40 -What’s the difference? 11:22 -Lori’s favorite quote surrounding the love and discipline of children 12:34 -Harvard study 17:50 -How or why have people been so resistant to ending physical abuse? 20:08 -Alternatives by ages and stages 22:18 -Where can people who were physically disciplined get support? 25:17 -Now we know, and we can do it different. 26:58 -Arming people with this information. 27:40 -Wrapping it up. Resources: www.nohitzone.com https://nohitzone.com/research/ stacie@theupinstitute.com

In this episode, host Lori Poland is joined by EndCAN’s co-founder, Dr. Richard Krugman.  Dick has worked in the field of child abuse for decades.    The Louder than Silence podcast is brought to you by the National Foundation to End Child Abuse and Neglect (EndCAN).  Episode Time Markers: 1:37 - Introducing Dick and the reason for launch Season 3.  3:05 - Thank you Lori! 3:20 - Definition of child abuse from Dick’s point of view. 7:05 - Physical abuse; shaken baby syndrome. 10:12- Sexual abuse definition. 12:10- Scout’s Honor documentary. 13:31- Child First data information surrounding sexual abuse. 16:05- Lori’s feelings about progress made. 17:30- Talking about emotional abuse. 20:10- Dick’s favorite quote about child abuse and neglect. 23:13 - Leaving our listeners with insight from Lori and Dick. 26:50- What can our listeners do? Resources mentioned this episode: Child First - https://www.childfirst.orgScout's Honor documentary - https://youtu.be/aLGc7Edu3Cg?si=eVKo1NoXv1QbY8bn

In this episode, host Lori Poland is joined by activist, former NFL player, and fellow survivor, Jon Vaughn.   The Louder than Silence podcast is brought to you by the National Foundation to End Child Abuse and Neglect (EndCAN).Episode Time Markers:  1:26 - Intro with Jon; how he and Lori met. 4:27 - Jon’s metamorphosis when he met another survivor and talked about the transition of taking back the control of their lives. 5:57 - Do unto others as you would want done unto you. 6:31 - Analogy of weeding the garden. 6:55 - Jon’s unique perspective of being preyed on by a woman. 12:27 - Being a survivor is like being on a shrinking island. 15:02 - Challenging awareness, empathy, compassion and active listening. 18:39 - The background of how Jon and Lori met and why it’s important they share their stories. 26:15 - The first time Jon felt understood. 29:10 - Where do you get your love and peace? 29:57 - Importance of feeling “held”. 30:25 - Everyone has a story, and what are you going to do with your story? 34:40  - Finding the journey back to me and trusting the people around us. 36:15 - Scared, broken Jon Vaughn as a kid. 36:48 - Key to finding us and getting out. 38:25 - Having a different heart – always that of a survivor. 39:20 - Going into the gates of hell to get someone out. 40:51 - Wanting the pain to end. 41:30 - Nothing left to be afraid of. 42:28 - Key takeaway of this episode.

Executive director of The National Foundation to End Child Abuse and Neglect (ENDCan ), Lori Poland, sits down for an interview with Joy Thomas from the ACE Resource Network. Poland shares her journey in writing her memoir - "I Live Here: Learning to Heal through Embracing Your Story" - about surviving childhood abuse. She has transcended her life to help, support, and be the change she wishes to see in the world. https://endcan.orgWhat are ACEs?ACEs are Adverse Childhood Experiences. They are difficult, potentially traumatic experiences a child faces before the age of 18. The landmark Kaiser Permanente-CDC study assessed the following 10 ACEs:Physical abuseEmotional abuseSexual abusePhysical neglectEmotional neglectHousehold member with mental illnessWitnessing domestic violenceHousehold member with substance abuseIncarcerated household memberDivorce or separation of parentsThey are so common that two out of three of us have at least one.ACEs can trigger Toxic Stress in the body.Without protective factors and adequate support, ACEs can lead to toxic stress in the body. Toxic stress can literally alter brain chemistry and biology, and it can even change how our DNA is read and transcribed.ACEs and toxic stress have been linked to heart disease, stroke, asthma, cancer, depression, anxiety, addiction, and suicide. ACEs may also impact children’s learning and development, our workplace performance, our relationships, and lifespan.Yet many people, parents, health professionals, and educators don’t know about ACEs. This lack of knowledge leads to significant illness and unimaginable expense – much of which could be averted through awareness, education, and action.#endchildabuseandneglect #endcanorg #ilivehere You can connect with ACEs resource network here https://aceresourcenetwork.com/

In this episode, listen in as Lori Poland, CEO of EndCAN talks with Jon Conte. Jon is a colleague and friend of Richard Krugman, Chairman of our board here at EndCAN. Jon is working a research project about what needs to happen to end child abuse and neglect.Jon R. Conte is a teacher and scholar whose area of expertise centers on mental health issues related to child abuse and trauma. He holds a bachelor of arts in sociology-anthropology from Whittier College as well as a master and a doctorate in social work, both from the University of Washington.Our hope is that this conversation helps you gain a better understanding of what we are doing here at EndCAN and why we are doing it. Also HOW we are planning on doing it.We hope you learn at little and enjoy this conversation.  Thank you for listening!The Louder than Silence podcast amplifies the voices of child abuse and neglect survivors as well as those working towards solutions in the fields of child abuse research, prevention, education, and advocacy.

In this episode, Brad Watts returns for a second conversation on the topic of sibling sexual abuse with host Lori Poland. Brad is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider, and author of "Sibling Sexual Abuse: A Guide for Confronting America's Silent Epidemic". Brad Watts' website: https://bradwattslpc.com/Link to Brad Watts' book: "Sibling Sexual Abuse: A Guide for Confronting America's Silent Epidemic"The Louder than Silence podcast is brought to you by The National Foundation to End Child Abuse and Neglect (EndCAN).Be our Guest   Would you like to share your story or nominate someone to be a guest on our show? Send an email to louderthansilence@endcan.org.   Stay Connected  If you enjoy this podcast, please rate us, subscribe, and share!    Leave us a review on Podchaser  Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter  Donate

In this episode, host Lori Poland is joined by activist, filmmaker, and fellow child abuse survivor, Paul Howard. Paul discusses his experiences surviving abuse in a child care institution as well as his related film, "Tomorrow". The Louder than Silence podcast is brought to you by The National Foundation to End Child Abuse and Neglect (EndCAN).Tomorrow film website: https://www.tomorrowthemovie.com Paul Howard's website: https://www.getpaulhoward.com/Be our Guest   Would you like to share your story or nominate someone to be a guest on our show? Send an email to louderthansilence@endcan.org.   Stay Connected  If you enjoy this podcast, please rate us, subscribe, and share!    Leave us a review on Podchaser Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter  Donate

In this episode, host Lori Poland is joined by fellow child abuse survivor Sabrina Rose. Sabrina shares her story and the actions she took to cope in the hopes of positively impacting other survivors. The Louder than Silence podcast is brought to you by The National Foundation to End Child Abuse and Neglect (EndCAN).📚 Book Link: Surviving Childhood Sexual Abuse: Practical Self-help For Adults Who Were Sexually Abused As Children by Carolyn AinscoughAn Evening for the Future: Dessert Party BenefitJoin EndCAN in Denver, CO on July 9 at Mile High Station for a dessert party fundraiser! Learn moreBe our Guest   Would you like to share your story or nominate someone to be a guest on our show? Send an email to louderthansilence@endcan.org.   Stay Connected  If you enjoy this podcast, please rate us, subscribe, and share!    Leave us a review on Podchaser  Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter  Donate

In this episode, host Lori Poland is joined by fellow child abuse survivor Brooks Griffin of The Inspired Network. Brooks discusses his ACE score, the impact of child abuse and neglect on his life and his family relationships, as well as the importance of engaging with today's youth. The Louder than Silence podcast is brought to you by The National Foundation to End Child Abuse and Neglect (EndCAN).Follow The Inspired Network on FacebookAn Evening for the Future:  EndCAN Benefit PartyJoin EndCAN in Denver, CO on July 9 at Mile High Station for a dessert party fundraiser! Learn moreBe our Guest   Would you like to share your story or nominate someone to be a guest on our show? Send an email to louderthansilence@endcan.org.   Stay Connected  If you enjoy this podcast, please rate us, subscribe, and share!    Leave us a review on Podchaser  Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter  Donate

In this episode, host Lori Poland is joined by fellow child abuse survivor Marybeth Givens. Marybeth reflects on the abuse she endured as a child and the silence that often surrounds child abuse and neglect. The Louder than Silence podcast is brought to you by The National Foundation to End Child Abuse and Neglect (EndCAN).An Evening for the Future: Dessert Party BenefitJoin EndCAN in Denver, CO on July 9 at Mile High Station for a dessert party fundraiser! Learn moreBe our Guest   Would you like to share your story or nominate someone to be a guest on our show? Send an email to louderthansilence@endcan.org.   Stay Connected  If you enjoy this podcast, please rate us, subscribe, and share!    Leave us a review on Podchaser  Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter  Donate