Our intention with the upcoming Fathering as a Survivor interview series is to give male survivors the opportunity to explore the effects childhood abuse has on them now as parents. We want to help fathers educate our society on what their particular triggers and struggles are, as they work to break the cycle of abuse.
When we set out to raise awareness on the challenges abuse survivors face as parents, we absolutely intended to address the point of view of mothers and fathers. Hearing from fathers has proven to be much more difficult than we imagined. It has made us even more determined to extend the opportunity for father-survivors to be heard.
Because of the few brave fathers who have written for us, we know that male survivors transitioning into and experiencing fatherhood have their own unique challenges and triggers. We want to help bring these challenges to the surface, so that male survivors who want to become fathers, or already are fathers can have the information and support necessary to address this particular part of their healing. We want to offer a platform to speak from that offers safety, support and the option of anonymity.
So what are we looking for and what you need to know...
- It is absolutely acceptable to remain anonymous. Please make this decision very clear us so that we can respect your choice.
- This series will be an interview format that will run through out the month of June, in honor of Father's day.
- Each participant will be answering the same questions, but will be free to elaborate on the questions as you understand them. Every question will need to be answered in order for your submission to be considered.
- While we cannot accept every submission, we will work hard to allow every voice to be heard.
- We reserve the right to edit for clarity and brevity.
- We will be monitoring comments to ensure a non-threatening, safe environment.
- The deadline for submissions is May 15, 2016.
- Please copy and paste the questions (see below) in to the body of an email or word document. Please send finalized submissions to Triggerpointsanthology@gmail.com, with submission for interview series in the subject line.
- If you do not wish to remain anonymous, please include a brief (3-5 lines) bio with your submission. Please include a head shot and any other images that you would like to add, if you are comfortable doing so.
- Although we regretfully cannot offer financial compensation at this time, we will be offering a free PDF copy of the Trigger Points Anthology to those whose submissions are included in the series.
Here are the questions we are looking for responses to...
- Before becoming a father, did you look forward to becoming a parent?
- How did you feel when you first learned you were going to be a father? Did you have any specific fears and/or joys?
- Were there any triggers that came up for you while your partner was pregnant?
- What has surprised you most about parenthood?
- What acts of parenting have led you to be triggered? Examples could be disciplining, bathing, showing affection/touching, etc. Have you learned anything from these triggers about your own fears, or the parts of you that still need healing?
- What is the greatest lesson you have learned from your child(ren)?
- What would you tell another survivor father who is expecting their first child?
Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or concerns you may have. This can be done either with a post/message on the Trigger Points Facebook page or via email at triggerpointsanthology@gmail.com.
The Trigger Points Anthology is now available for Kindle and paperback. Click the link to get your copy today!!
Trigger Points Anthology paperback
Trigger Points Anthology for Kindle
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