“Writing has been a catalyst to health. As a child I didn’t have language for what was happening to me.” Kathryn Walczyk, 61, lives with a more…… Read more “Survivor Story: Kathryn Walczyk”
Category: Survivor Story
Survivor Story: Michael Koplinka-Loehr
“Talking about these things in a place where you’re profoundly understood is a gift in the healing process.” Editor’s note: This week we’re honored to share the…… Read more “Survivor Story: Michael Koplinka-Loehr”
Awake is Launching a New Blog Series on Survivor Stories. Here’s Why.
When Awake Milwaukee was established in 2019, we quickly realized how much we had to learn about the experiences of victim-survivors of abuse in the Catholic Church.…… Read more “Awake is Launching a New Blog Series on Survivor Stories. Here’s Why.”
Survivor Story: My Husband Was a Victim of Clergy Abuse. I’ve Had to Work Hard for My Own Healing.
On this blog in June 2020 I first shared the story of Wendy Liedtke, a widow who was grieving the sudden death of her husband, Ken, at…… Read more “Survivor Story: My Husband Was a Victim of Clergy Abuse. I’ve Had to Work Hard for My Own Healing.”
Survivor Story: How I Found Healing Through Scripture
In 1968 at the age of 19, while in studies for priesthood, I was abused by the priest who was my superior, the individual with the most input in evaluating my suitability to continue. He was well respected in the seminary community; I had Read more
Lifting Up Survivors’ Voices on All Survivors’ Day
This Saturday, November 7, is All Survivors’ Day, a day to recognize survivors of sexual abuse, bring their stories into the light, raise awareness of the widespread nature of the issue, and organize for change in the culture that allows sexual abuse to continue. Awake Milwaukee is proud to join the group of international organizations Read more
Survivor Story: After My Experience with David Haas, I Can’t Sing His Music
Margaret Hillman was 12 years old when she joined the choir at her parish in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. Within a few years, she began serving as a cantor, leading the congregation during Mass. And liturgical music became a family affair; Hillman’s mother soon joined the choir Read more
Survivor Story: Our Entire Family Has Been Affected
When a person is sexually abused, the trauma of the experience can deeply affect the victim’s family and friends. In fact, organizations such as the As One…… Read more “Survivor Story: Our Entire Family Has Been Affected”
Survivor Story: Six Things I Wish Catholics Knew About the Abuse Crisis
Today we revisit the important insights shared by Patricia Gallagher Marchant in one of our very first Survivor Stories, originally published on March 10, 2020. Patricia Gallagher…… Read more “Survivor Story: Six Things I Wish Catholics Knew About the Abuse Crisis”
Survivor Story: Even If You’re Not Hearing Survivors’ Voices, It Doesn’t Mean We’re Not Here.
In a recent post we discussed Awake’s commitment to acknowledging the abuse of adults in the Catholic Church. The post included insights from “Anne,” a victim-survivor of adult abuse in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Today we tell more of Anne’s story. Read more
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