HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 05021995 - S.1 5, 1
TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Contra
FROM: Mark.DeSaulnier
Costa
Jeff Smith
ounty
DATE: April 26, 1995
SUBJECT: Refer to the Family and Human Services Committee
Review of Current Policies and Procedures Relating to
the Handling of Child Abuse Cases in Contra Costa County
SPECIFIC REOUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION(S)&BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
RECOMMENDATION
REFER to the Family and Human Services (VHS) Committee a review our county's
current policies and procedures relating to the delivery of services in reported
child abuse cases and 'how that process might be improved including the concept
of establishing a Blue Ribbons Task Force on Child Abuse Issues.
BACKGROUND
This Board has a long history of supporting efforts to address the tragedy of
child abuse and recently acknowledged April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.
The FHS has undertaken the review of policie's and practices involving adoption
and foster parent issues, and it would be appropriate to address how Contra
Costa County currently provides services through its various departments in
child abuse cases. An outcome of the FHS review could be the establishment of
a Blue Ribbon Task Force on Child Abuse Issues.
ONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: -YES SIGNATURE:
-RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR _,_RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
-APPROVE -OTHER
3NATURE(S):
TION OF BOARD ON Ma� 2, 1995 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED X OTHER X
See Attachment I for a. list of the speakers who addressed the Board on this
matter.
E Of SUPERVISORS
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE
_XUNANIMOUS(ASSENT z AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN
AYES: NOES: AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD
ASSENT: ABSTAIN: OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN.
cc: County Administrator ATTESTED 14ay 2, 1995
ITS Committee PHIL BATCHELOR,CLERK OF THE BOARD OF
Social Services Director ISORS AND,COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
Y DEPUTY
(10/88)
a
' May 2, 1995
S. 1
A T T A C H M E N T I
The following people spoke on the "Review of Current Policies and
Procedures Relating to the Handling of Child Abuse Cases in Contra
Costa County" :
Greg Willis, 71 Flora Court, Pleasant Hill;
Dr. Daniel Monger, 5445 Edgeview Drive, Byron;
Charlie Gutierrez, 137 Wilbur Avenue #30, Antioch;
Valery Frosty, 1025 Walnut Street, Martinez;
Donna Signorelli, 3957 Harmon Road, E1 Sobrante;
Richard Peterson, 4473 Silverberry Court, Concord;
Will Knapp, 4480 Treat Blvd. , Suite 135, Concord;
Jennifer Summerton, 1485 Treat Blvd. #202, Walnut Creek; and
Samuel Fuller, P.O. Box 21317, Concord
PARENTS AGAINST
CHILD ABUSE
Every child deserves,a
happy childhood. Help
stamp out child sexual
abuse.
Wear your blue ribbon. Support the
prevention of child abuse.
• Over 2.9 million child abuse
reports were made in 1992.
• Every 13 seconds a child is
abused in the United States.
• 25%of all boys and 33%of
all girls suffer some form of
sexual abuse before age 18.
• 95% of child victims know
their perpetrators.
• 80% of sexually abusive
parents were abused as
children.
• The typical child sex offender
molests an average of 117
children.
• In 80%of male survivors,at
least one of their perpetrators
was female.
• About 98% of the
perpetrators are never
convicted.
• if incarcerated, it costs
$25,000 a year to keep ar
offender in prison. A famii}
of 4 could receive treatmen
—i-.near for $2,080 witl
'.IF YOU KNOW AN
ABUSED CHILD
.WHO THE COUNTY
-OR THE COURTS
HAVE FAILED TO
PROTECT,
CONTACT YOUR
COUNTY DISTRICT
SUPERVISOR AND
THE GRAND JURY
AND COMPLAIN!
• Supervisor Jim Rogers
District 1
100 37th St.
Richmond,CA 94805
374-3231
FAX 374-3429
• Supervisor Jeff Smith
District 2
651 Pine St.
Room 108a
Martinez,CA 94553
646-2080
FAX 646-1396
Supervisor Gayle Bishop
District 3
18 Crow Canyon Court
Suite 120
San Ramon,CA 94583
820-8683
FAX 820-6627
Supervisor
Mark DeSaulnier
District 4
2301 Stanwell Drive
Concord,CA 94520
646-5763
FAX 646-5767
Supervisor
Tom Torlakson
District 5
300 East Leland Rd.
Suite 100
Pittsburg,CA 94565
427-8138
FAX 427-8142
James McCauley
Foreman Protein
Contra Costa County
Grand Jury
Room 108,Courthouse
1020 Ward Street
Aartinez,CA 94553
a4S-2345
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Dedicated to Protecting Children Against Sexual Abuse
EXECUTIVE BOARD April 26, 1995
Claire R. Reeves
PresidentlFounder
Charlene Marks
SecretatylF reasurer
Catherine Gould,Ph.D Presiding Judge John C. Minney
Andrea Norman,MBA Department 12
Dina Bachelor Evan,Ph.D.,MFC Contra Costa superior Court
X25 Court St. ,
AnettPo
Mark te Powe!!man,Esq' Martinez, CA 94553-1233
NATIONAL Dear Judge Minney,
ADVISORY BOARD Our office in Los Angeles has recently received
Gloria Allred, Esq. numerous telephone calls complaining about referee
Meredith Avery Josanna Berkow. These calls are from parents
Maureen Resources
whose children have disclosed sexual abuse by
Don a Friessources their father or mother, and Ms. Berkow
Donna Friess,Ph.D. consistently sides with the abuser. There seems
Honorable Ken Friess to be a consistent pattern to give sole custody to
Dr.Vicki Graham-Costain,Ph.D. the abuser or. perpetrator without considering the
David Hamilton,Ph.D.,J.D. safety of the child.
Paris, Texas
Glenn Harris,Esq. We readily understand that custody cases involving
Joanna Kerns molestation and incest are the most difficult of
(formerly TV"Growing Pains') all cases for a judge to decide. In defense of
Jackie Lichtenstein,M.D. judges, we also know that many times they are not
Candy Lightner presented with all of the facts. There seems to
(founder ofMADD) be a very large margin of error between the
Patricia Massie reports of the therapists and the statements made
Concerned Citizens Comm. on Pornography by protective parents whose only crime is
Paul Mones,Esq. believing the disclosures of their children. If
Author:Why Do Kids K111 we are to err in these cases, it must be on the
Det. Robert Navarra side of the children.
Los Angeles Police Department
There seems to be a discrepancy in the education
Amy tein,Ph.D.
New Yorkof Ms. Berkow that may impair her decisions on
Lisa Pomeroy, Ph.D. these kinds of cases. , According to our records,
she has no background in family law or child
Judith Block Remet,M.D.
New York abuse. There seems to be a consensus that Ms.
'
Myra Rydell,LCSW Berkow is in fact not qualified to handle these
kinds of cases. For the sake of the children and
Investigativee Consultant Joseph StoJr. the innocent parent trying diligently to protect
on
Roland
the children we ask you to look into this very
UCLA MeeddicalicalCenter Summit,M.D. serious matter.
Douglas J.Wolf,Esq.
503 1/2 S. Myrtle Avenue, #4, Monrovia, CA 91016 - (818) 305-1986 • Fax (818) 305-5190
Page - two
MASA has established credibility with the courts
and law enforcement. We are not on a vendetta
against our judicial system. We have, however,
taken a "watchdog approach" when we consistently
see a judge who rules in favor of adults who abuse
children. It is unconscionable that the .very
people we look to who will protect our children,
in fact, ignore the facts -and rule on the side of
the perpetrator,
Please use your power and influence to protect our
children and observe close scrutiny to those who
disregard the rights of our most vulnerable
citizens.
Sincerely yours,
Claire R. Reeves
President/Chief 'Executive Officer
CRR/cm
i
f
San Jose Meretuy News�.W
2,000 killed and 140,000 seriously iWured annually, report says
Chiold, abuse t � e
Loa An{ lvsTimim known, and the troubling fact of or boyfriends who unleash a'tor-
The level of violence aimed at abuse or neglect often remains a rent of rage on infants over such
young children In this country terrible secret that is buried with "triggers" as a baba's crying,
has reached public health crisis the child." feeding difficulties or failed toilet
proportions, annually claimingpanel formed by Congress training. lit
the lives of at least 2,000 children ' Likewise, studies n w suggest
and seriously injuring more than The 16-member panel was es- that mothers most bftkn are held
140,000 others, a federal adviso- tablished by Congress in 1988 to responsible for deaths resulting
ry panel said in a report sched- evaluate the scope of child abuse from bathtub drownipgs, starva- .
uled for release to Congress to- in the United States and recom- tion or other neglect..'
day. mend ways to Improve the child Among other major Findings:
The U.S. Advisory Board on protective system. ■Head trauma is ,the leading
Child Abuse and Neglect, con- This*year's report, titled ""A cause of child abuse deaths. So-
cluding a 21h-year nationwide Nation's Shame: Fatal Child called Shaken Baby Syndrome is
study that Included public hear- Abuse and Neglect in the United so lethal that up to 26,.percent of
ings in 10 states, found a level of States," represents the most com- its victims die, and most survi-
fatal abuse and neglect far great- prehensive study yet undertaken vors suffer brain damage.
er than even experts In the field of child deaths at the hands of ■Domestic violencs,is strongly
had realized. parents or caretakers in America. linked to child abuse,,deaths. An
Abuse and neglect in the home While stressing that no single estimated 60 percent of homes
is a leading cause of death for profile fits every case, the report with adult violence;=also have
young children in this country, attempts for the first time to fill child abuse or neglect ,
outstripping deaths caused by ac- in some of the who, how and why ■Many states lack adequate le-
cidental falls, choking on food, of child deaths. gal sanctions.Only 21 states have
suffocation, drowning or residen- It found, for example, that laws that allow parents to be
tial fires, the report found. most physical abuse deaths are prosecuted for killing, their chil-
The vast majority of abused caused by angry, extremely dren under "felony murder" or
and neglected children are under stressed-out fathers, stepfathers "homicide by child abuse" laws..
4 years old. In fact, the homicide
rate among children in this age
group has hit a 40-year high, a
chilling trend similar in scope to
the violence directed at teen-ag-
ers from street gunfire,according
to the report.
Protective system failed
But as grim as the enumera-
tions of violent acts is the re-
port's finding that the child pro-
tective system largely has failed
to shelter the nation's children.
The report describes an alarm-
ing national environment of un-
der-reported child abuse deaths;
inadequately trained investiga-
tors, prosecutors and medical
professionals; inconsistent autop-
sy practices; and an American
public that continues to regard
child deaths as"rare curiosities."
"When it comes to deaths of
infants and small children . . . at
the hands of parents or caretak-
ers, society has responded_in a
strangely muffled, seemingly dis-
interested way,"stated the panel,
composed of experts on child
abuse and chaired by Deanne Til-
ton Durfee, executive director of
the Los Angeles County Intera-
gency Task Force on Child Abuse
and Neglect.
"Little money has been spent to
understand this tragic phenome-
non. The true numbers and exact
nature of the problem remain un-
♦ N.s r S
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to
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Dedicated to Protecting Children Against Sexual Abuse
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Claire R.Reeves
PresidenNFounder Dear Friend,
Charlene Marks
Secretarylrreasurer This letter will introduce MASA, MOTHERS AGAINST
Catherine Gould, Ph.D SEXUAL ABUSE. MASA is a national, non-profit
Andrea Norman,MBA organization dedicated to:
Dina Bachelor Evan, Ph.D.,MFC 1. Educate society about the reality
Mark Roseman, Esq. and the debilitating effects of
Anette Powell child sexual abuse.
2 . Design and support legislation
NATIONAL that will protect children.
ADVISORY BOARD 3 . Provide a national resource
Gloria Allred, Esq. referral network to help victims
Meredith Avery and families experiencing this
Maureen Brugh tragedy.
Monarch Resources
Donna Friess,Ph.D. Child sexual abuse is the most pervasive and
Honorable Ken Friess hidden problem in America today. Society is slow
Dr.Vicki Graham-Costain,Ph.D. to believe that supposedly nice, respectable
David Hamilton,Ph.D.,J.D. adults molest children. Statistics tell us that
Paris, Texas over 85% of molestations are committed by someone
Glenn Harris, Esq. the child knows and trusts. Less than 3% of these
Joanna Kerns crimes are ever prosecuted. One of the reasons
(/ormerlyTV"GrowingPains') for this is lack of evidence, and the other is the
reluctance of families to participate.
Jackie Lichtenstein,M.D.
Candy Lightner Sadly, children are still treated as chattel, and
(founder of MADD)
Patricia Massie abuse of children is still treated as a "family
Concerned Citizens Comm. on Pornography matter" . The fact is that child abuse affects
each and every one of us. Studies show that over
Paul er nes,Esq.
Author.Why Do Kids Kill 80% of patients coming out of alcohol and drug
treatment centers were sexually abused as
Det.Robert Navarro children. Over 70% of prison inmates were victims
Los Angeles Police Department
of child sexual abuse. Ninety-five percent of
Amy Neustein,Ph.D. teen-age prostitutes were child victims of incest
New York
and sexual abuse. Many of these victims are on
Lisa Pomeroy, Ph. D. social programs, and are not able to function in
Judith Block Remet,M.D. our society. As tax-payers, we are in fact paying
New York
Myra Rydell,Lcsw the bill. Crime, violence, and health-care costs
will be greatly reduced if we can stop this vile
Joseph Stoltman,Jr. abuse against innocent victims.
Investigative Consultant
Roland Summit,M.D.
UCLA Medical Center
/2
Douglas J.Wolf, Esq.
503 1/2 S. Myrtle Avenue, #4, Monrovia, CA 91016 (818) 305-1986 Fax (818) 305-5190
i
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AM
Dedicated to Protecting Children Against Sexual Abuse
STATISTICS
Within the next decade, 28 million children will
EXECUTIVE BOARD be sexually abuse; 25 million of the victims will
Claire R.Reeves be girls (Information Packet, New York Assembly
President/Founder Task Force on Women's Issues, compiled by Libby
Laurie Johnson Post, Fellow on Women and Public Policy) .
Secretary/Treasurer
Catherine Gould,Ph.D Recent studies show that one in three women and
Jennifer J.King,Esq, one in five men were victims of childhood sexual
Andrea Norman,MBA abuse (Russell, 1986; Wyatt, 1986) .
Dina Bachelor Evan,Ph.D.,MFC
Half of the victims of sexual abuse are under age
Mark Roseman, Esq. �� ��
11 (Judy Mann, Sexual Abuse, Washington Post,
Anette Powell
April 20, 1984) .
NATIONAL a a victims ictims ran in age from 4 months to 92
ADVISORY BOARD p g g
Gloria Allred, Esq. years (Newsweek) .
Meredith Avery The abuser usually is someone the child trusts.
Maureen Brugh In 85% of reported cases, the offender is known to
Monarch Resources the child (Caren Adams and Jennifer Fay, No More
Donna Friess,Ph.D. Secrets: Protecting Your Child from Sexual Assault
Honorable Ken Friess (Sari Luis Obispo, Calif. : Impact Publishers,
Dr.Vicki Graham-Costain,Ph.D. 1981) , 8 .
David Hamilton,Ph.D.,J.D.
Paris, Texas Very few child victims (under 10%) disclose the
Joanna Kerns abuse at the time it occurs (New York Times Book
(formerly TV"Growing Pains') Review 2/14/93) .
Jackie Lichtenstein,M.D.
Candy Lightner Experts have observed that many incest victims
(founder ofMADD) repress the memory of the incest in order to cope
Patricia Massie with repeated abuse. Blocking the memory of the
Concerned Citizens Comm. on Pornography abuse is a coping mechanism that allows the victim
Det. Robert Navarro to survive by controlling thoughts and feelings to
Los Angeles Police Department the point where there is no recognition of
Amy Neustein,Ph.D. victimization (Naomi Berkowitz, "Balancing the
New York
Statue of Limitations and the Discovery Rule: Some
Lisa Pomeroy, Ph. D. Victims of Incestuous Abuse Are Denied Access to
Judith Block Remet,M.D. Washington Courts-Tyson V. Tyson, "University of
New York
Myra Rydell,LCSW Puget Sound Law Review, Vol 10:721, 1987) .
Joseph Stoltman,Jr. Between 70 and 90% of all prisoners (men & women)
Investigative Consultant
in America today experienced sexual abuse as
Roland Summit,M.D.
UCLA Medical Center children (ABC TV) .
Douglas J.Wolf, Esq.
503 1/2 S. Myrtle Avenue, #4, Monrovia, CA 91016 • (818) 305-1986 • Fax (818) 305-5190
N s T
P'. S
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Dedicated to Protecting Children Against Sexual Abuse
EXECUTIVE BOARD MISSION STATEMENT
Claire R.Reeves
President/Founder
Laurie Johnson
Secretary,?reasurer MASA, MOTHERS AGAINST SEXUAL ABUSE, has been
Catherine Gould, Ph.D founded to accomplish the following goals:
Jennifer J.King, Esq
Andrea Norman,MBA
Dina Bachelor Evan, Ph.D.,MrFC * Protect America 's children by educating
Mark Roseman,Esq. society about child sexual abuse, provide
Anere Powell referrals for victims, and design and
support new legislation.
NATIONAL
ADVISORY BOARD
Gloria Allred, Esq. * Establish a comprehensive network
Meredith Avery nationwide of organizations,
professionals, and ordinary men
Monarch Baugh
Monarch Resources and women who are concerned about the
Donna Friess, Ph.D. nation's children.
Honorable Ken Friess
Dr.Vicki Graham-Ccstan, Ph. D. * Continue to develop our Court Advocacy
David Hamilton, Ph.D.,J.D. program which assists victims, and
Parrs. Texas
provides necessary information for
Joanna Kerns judicial reform.
(formerly TV"Growing Pains')
Jackie Lichtenstein,M.D.
Candy Lightner
(founder of MADD)
Patricia Massie
Concerned Citizens Comm. on Pornography
Det. Robert Navarro
Los Angeles Police Department
Amy Neustein,Ph.D.
New York
Lisa Pomeroy,Ph. D.
Judith Block Remet,M.D.
New York
Myra Rydelt,LCSW
Joseph Stoltman,Jr.
Investigative Consultant
Roland Summit,M.D.
UCLA Medical Center
Douglas J.Wolf,Esq.
503 1/2 S. Myrtle Avenue, #4, Monrovia, CA 91016 (818) 305-1986 Fax (818) 305-5190
EFFECTS OF SEXUAL ABUSE ON CHILDREN & ADOLESCENTS
Common behaviors of sexually abused children:
1. Anxiety
2. Depression (may be masked); grief over multiple losses; sleep too much or too
little; nightmares; eat too little or too much; hopeless about future; feel helpless;
do not enjoy pleasurable activities; lack spontaneity.
3. Denial (honeymoon phase); act as if nothing has happened; "I don't care"
attitude to protect self from hurtlpain.
4. Distrust of adults; many dependency Issues; may have had poor bonding with
nurturer.
5. Guilty (therefore may act defensively); blame self for what happened; displace
blame onto others, i.e., foster parents, "system."
6. Learned helplessness.
7. Hypervigilent (experiences everything as possible threat)
B. Fearful
9. Physical complaints -- stomach aches, headaches.
10. Self-destructive behaviors -- cutting, scratching; hurting self apparently by
"accident;" use of repression against feelings of abandonment, helplessness,
and anger.
11. Frequently passive/aggressive; may engage in power struggles.
12. Expects not to have needs met.
13. Pseudomature -- acts older than age; may also be immature at times.
14. Needs nurturance (both physical and emotional).
15. Regressed (particularly under stress may exhibit behaviors of younger child).
16. May act out (often sexually) against younger children or animals.
17. Learning and speech problems (difficulties concentrating).
18. Problems in interpersonal relationships, peers and adults (may "keep" to self,
avoid family activities).
19. Lonely; isolated; withdrawn; little eye contact.
20. Acting out behaviors; substance abuse, runaway.
21. Protective of natural (abusive) parents.
22. May dissociate -- blank out, appear forgetful, "spacey."
23. May experience "flashbacks" of abuse; feel as if reliving events; multiple triggers.
24. Expect to be abused again; may act provocatively.
25. Low self-esteem; feel unwanted/unloved/unlovable. Of
26. May lie and keep "secrets." -.91016 4
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Mothers Against
SexualAbuse
MASA, Mothers Against Sexual
Abuse, located at 503 1/2 S. Myrtle
Avc. #4, Monrovia, CA, is a national,
non-profit organization,dedicated to pro-
tecting children against the tragedy of
sexual abuse. Educating society as to
the reality of this destructive abuse is
part of MASA's agenda.
Designing and supporting new le;-
islation to protect children is also a high
priority. MASA also has an extensive
referral list, nationwide, of profession-
als who are experts in this area.
MASA also supports the non-of-
fending parent or guardian of a child
that has been sexually abused,by offer-
ing support groups and referrals for fami-
lies facing this tragedy.
MASA has a speakers bureau, and
holds several educational seminars each
year.
Claire Reeves, Presidcnt/Founder,
says that MASA is in need of local of-
fice space at a reasonable rent. 11" you
can help or know someone who can,
please contact MASA at(8 18)305-1986,
Monday through Friday,8 a.m.to 6 p.m.
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victims' mune system
By Marilyn Elias growth of the left hemisphere,
USA TODAY which can hamper develop-
ment of language and logic.
Sexual abuse in childhood ►Is linked to growth of the
can impair the brain's physical right hemisphere at an abnor-
development and leave victims mally early age. '?his is the
with permanently weakened site for emotion, particularly
immune function, suggest pio- negative emotion," he says,
neering studies out today. . Brain wave differences be-
"Abuse seems to be a biology tween abused and non-abused
altering experience.It changes are as significant as "between
the brain's stress response sys- normal people and those who
tem, says Dr. Funk Putnam have Alzheimer's disease or
of the National Institute of schizophrenia,"says Teicher.
Mental Health. Abuse survivors shouldn't
He and Dr. Martin Teicher feel "they're doomed," argues
of Harvard Medical School psychologist Karin Meiselman,
give their findings today at the author of two books on incest
American Psychiatric Associa- "They can compensate by
tion meeting in Philadelphia. learning new ways of positive
Putnam has been following behavior and gaining comfort."
170 girls,615 years old— half
sexually abused,half not— for
seven years.The abused girls:
1► Have abnormally high
stress hornwwnes,which can kill
neurons`in brant areas crucial
for thinking and memory.
►Have high levels of an
antibody that weakens the hu-
man immune system
Teicher has done a series of
brain studies on 402 children
and adults, many of whom
have been sexually or physical-
ly abused. He finds that abuse:
►Goes along with arrested
MASA also 'aids
helpless onlookers
By Marilee Reyes shows, talks to service clubs
Staff writer and public appearances have
substantiated her belief that
Claire Reeves thought there is a real need for the
she saw signs that her advocacy group, said Reeves.
new husband was hav- "We get anywhere between
ing an Incestuous affair with 80 to 40 calls a day,"she said.
his 15-year-old daughter short- Reeves and the volunteers
ly after Reeves married him handle all calls,which vary in
in Colorado in 1980. substance. Some ask for ad-
=-She tried to convince her- vice or direction. Some seek
self she was mistaken, but fl- comfort and reassurance for
pally the indications were im- the victim and others for the
possible to 4gnore. Unsure -non-offending adult. -- i
what to do when he and the All calls are taken. Reeves
girl denied it, she confided said,regardless of how thinly
her suspicions to friends. stretched the staff is.
"Everyone thought I was "But we really need more
crazy," she said. "Here I was volunteers to help out,as well
accusing a pillar of the com- as more funding,"she added.
munity of.an unspeakable One volunteer, known as
wrong." . Patricia, was a victim of in-
She;was told on more than cert whose father also shared
one occasion that these things her with his brother and
just didn't occur with people drugged her to keep her de-
in their position,that she was pendent upon him as she
imagining things. And when grew older. Eventually Patri-
she told the girl's mother cia saw a hypno-therapist, at-
what she suspected,the moth- tended meetings of Incest Sur-
er flatly rejected the informa- vivors Anonymous and began
tion. the first step toward taking
"After awhile, I thought control of her life. Now mar-
maybe I tops crazy," Reeves ried, she has a normal rela-
said. tionship but said it took al-
In 1985, after she separated most 30 years for her to
from her husband and moved recover .
to Canada,she began seeing a Patricia joined MASA when
therapist.But,she said,many Gov. Pete Wilson vetoed
therapists are not equipped to AB638, a proposed law that
deal with the problem of in- would have eliminated the
cest and often don't believe statute of limitations for crim-
what they are being told. anal prosecution in cases of
Eventually,after she moved incest.
back to Colorado,she met Dr. "Many times, a child
Lenore Walker,who specializ- doesn't get the courage or the
es in treating victims of child- opportunity to speak about
hood sexual abuse. the abuse until the statute of
Although no legal action limitations has run out," Pa-
was taken at that time against trivia said. "In my case, my
her ex-husband, Reeves, a father threatened to kill my
freelance writer, worked out mother if I told what was hap-
her feelings about the situa- . pening."
tion while writing a book on The experience colored her
child sexual abuse. entire life.As a young woman
During the process of writ- she reached the level where
ing, Reeves determined there her self-esteem was at such a
was a need for a grass-roots low ebb that she became very
organization to assist not only promiscuous. .
sexually abused children but I didn't know any other
non-offending adults, too. In way to love," she recalled.
March of 1992 she founded "My judgment was impaired
Mothers Against Sexual Abus- and I gravitated toward peo-
ere. ple who used me."
Seven days a week,assisted According to South Pasade-
by a small cadre of volunteers na psychologist Morris Neth-
in a tiny Monrovia office, erton, some effects of sexual
Reeves works on behalf of abuse as a child may be sexu-
MASA and its aims.With her al dysfunction in adulthood,
own money and contributions infertility, feeling of isolation
from supportive individuals, or loneliness, psychosis —
plus some sporadic fund-rais- even schizophrenia.
ars, the organization is get- Often,he said,problems are
ting off the ground and be triggered by marriage or the
coming a force in victims' onset of sexual activity; in
rights, she said. The group some cases, repression and
has established chapters in multiple personalities are a
five Southern California areas result of such abuse.
and two in Virginia, with Alleviating such dysfunc-
more than 450 members. tional behavior is one of
The non-profit organization MASA's primary concerns,
lists five goals: Stop sexual said Reeves.
abuse of children; support Reeves and other members
non-offending parents or of MASA are available to
guardians;educate the public; speak to clubs,service organi- '
offer a referral network of le. zations and the media to help
gal, medical and psychologi. make the public aware of the
cal professionals who special. facts about child abuse. They
ize in child sexual abuse;and also distribute literature at no
design and support legislation charge, although donations
to protect children. are appreciated.
The response from televised For information about
public-service advertisements, MASA, call Reeves at (818)
booths at conventions and •305 1 S$,C
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Star-Tribune Tuesday, August 18, 1992 7
Monro ■
viothaftrleaeftcls' the
■
fight
g a a' abuse.
By Jim Jacobson ature, sexually abused children may account for the increase. .
Staff writer are being forced to live with the Reeves hopes that by further
abusive parent. Also, under cer- educating the public, even more
MONROVIA — Not long after tain divorce agreements, courts children will report the crime.
Claire Reeves remarried in 1980, allow children to visit the abu- MASA has produced public
she realized her husband was sive parent unsupervised. service announcements as part
having an incestuous affair with MASA's mission is to educate of its education program.
his 15-year-old daughter, she the public about sexual abuse The television commercials
said. and to lobby for legislation de- are appearing in North Carolina
Although she tried to deny it, signed to protect children, the and Virginia, and should begin
the situation became overwhelm- non-offending parent and adult airing in Southern California on
ing. When she began confiding survivors of sexual abuse. KCAL-Channel 9 this week, she
in people, they refused to believe In addition to running support said.
her. groups for non-offending par- Locally, MASA sets up tables
"Everyone told me I was cra- ents, Reeves and MASA's volun at area malls and on street cor-
zy. They told me, 'This just teers refer victims and parents ners to get its message out. Re-
doesn't happen to people like to lawyers, doctors and psycho- cently, Reeves went to the Mon-
you,' " she said. therapists who specialize in sex- rovia Family Festival where she
By 1985, she and her husband ual abuse, Reeves said. said she was surprised by the
separated. She went to various "Incest has reached epidemic number of people who came up
therapists to help her cope with proportions in this country," she to her to discuss their experi-
the trauma, but found only one said. ence, or that of a friend or rela-
who had worked with victims of In the United States, one in tive.
sexual abuse and their families. three girls and one in five boys MASA plans to produce a doc-
Since finding the right thera- will be sexually molested one or umentary as well as a music vid-
pist, Reeves says she has begun more times before they reach eo for the song "Think of the
the healing process. As part of age 18, she added. Children," which was written es-
the process, she wrote a book on In Los Angeles County, from pecially for the organization by
the subject of sexual abuse. July 1991 through June 1992, the Academy Award-winning song
But she wanted to help others Department of Children's Servic- writers Al Kasha and Joel Hirsh-
as well. In March 1992 she es received 1,595 reports of sexu- horn.
founded a national organization al abuse per month. The number The crime of sexual abuse is
called Mothers Against Sexual represents a rise of 17 percent difficult both emotionally and fl-
Abusers, based in Monrovia. over the previous year. nancially for the non-offender
"We're not just a bunch of an- Lili Ahmadi, spokeswoman for parent or guardian, Reeves said.
gry women. This is a real prob- the department, said children's
lem," she said. heightened awareness of what to
According to the group's liter- do if they are sexually abused
Group offers support to sexual abuse victims
Area mom founds
i. `a -- �..'ik;. ,•.t -.,ti•F'r `t � ' .yy, fit`+.
i nationai program, rf-
�..
writes book
By Jim Jacobson wsr y' r ;
stay wr,ter .""w:.,. _ 'yy}..�.� - t°"'ti-r•v1
MONROVlA•Not long atter
. Claire Reeves remarried in
1980,she realized her husband
was having an incestuous af-
fair
ffair with his 15-year-old
daughter, she said.
Although she tried to deny '
it, the situation became over- ,
whelming. when she began —
! confiding in people, they re,
fused to believe her. E►`;
i Everyone told me 1 was
I crazy.They told me,'This just '
i doesn't happen to people like -
1 you-." she said.
By 1985, she and her hus-
band separated. She went to
various therapists to help her ,. i"*
cope with t.",e trauma. but
found oniv one who had -
'CCCr:�r` Siatf?holo I Jim Jacobson
== i2=. lvfonrovian Claire Reeves founded national sexual abuse support organization
Since finding the right ther-
apist. Reeves says she has be- dren are being forced to live volunteers refer victims and dren's services received 1,595
;.:n the hea'in; process. As with the abusive parent.Also. parents to lawyers. doctors. reports of sexual abuse per
pan of the process, she wrote under certain divorce agree- and psycho-therapists who month. The number repre-
a boor; en the subject of sexu- ments, courts allow children specialize in sexual abuse,ac- sents a rise of 17 percent over
al abuse. to visit the abusive parent un- cording to Reeves. the previous year.
But she wanted to help oth. supervised. "Incest has reached epidem- Lili Ahmadi, spokeswoman
ers as well: In March 1953 she NASA's mission is to edu- is proportions in this coun• for the department, said chil-
founded a national organiza- cate the public about sexual try," she said, dren's heightened awareness
tion called Mothers Against abuse and lobby for legisla- In the United States.one in of what to do if they are sexu-
Sexual Abusers, which is tion designed to protect chil- three girls and one in five ally abused may account for
based in Monrovia, dren,the non-offending parent boys will be sexually molested the increase.
"We're not just a bunch of and adult survivors of sexual `one or more times before they Reeves hopes that by fur-
angry women. This is a real .abuse. reach age 18. she added. ther educating the public,
problem." she said. In addition to running sup- In Los Angeles County, even more children will re-
According to the group's lit- port groups for non-offending from July 1991 through June I
erasure, sexually abused chit- parents. Reeves and ItLASA's 1992, the department of chil- Please see Abuse / 6
[f S "It's been devastating for me,"
said a volunteer who moved
rOtY1 )
from Michigan to California to
port the crime. fight for custody of her 7-year-
.NIASA has produced public old son.
service announcements as part The volunteer, who asked not
of its education program, to be named, said her son told
The television commercials her three years ago that her ex.
are currently appearing in North husband had molested him. She
Carolina and Virginia, and has sold her home and has spent
should begin airing on KCAL-TV $150,000 to pursue the case.
(channel 9) this week, she said. MASA lobbies legislators in
Locally, MASA sets up tables Sacramento on issues of sexual
at area malls and on street cor- abuse. The group hopes to even-
ners to get its message out. Re- tually do the same nationally.
cently, Reeves went to the Mon-
rovia Family Festival where she In California,the group works
said she was surprised by the for legislation such as Assembly
number of people who came up Bill 638, which, if corroborating
to her to discuss their experi• evidence exists, would eliminate
ence,or that of a friend or rela• the statute of limitations for
tive. criminal prosecution of incest,
MASA plans to produce a doc- according to Reeves.
umentary as well as a music vid- "Adults who commit this
eo for the song "Think of the crime against children should go
Children,"which was written es- to jail." she said.
pecially for the organization by Reeves added that she is will-
academv award-winnine cnn- ;n„t„ .,
i
Many support
group's efforts
Nonprofit organizations such
as nurs, Mothers Against Sexual
Abuse, rely mostly on public
support.Although we have
operated without a grant for our
Eureka chapter in 1994, we
have a debt of gratitude to
declare for what we are able to
achieve.
The following names were
participants in this year's efforts,
and my sincerest thank you
goes out to them: move's
Legal-Ease; Village Photo.
Eureka; Copy Stop, Eureka;
Janice, for yard sale items:
Edith and the Jim Campbell
family estate: Trudy Henry: the
Exchange Club of Eureka: the
Savercools; Arnie Millsap: the
Katie Grout family: Women's
Resource Center, Central Office;
Northcoast Journal:Tri-City;
Times-Standard: the Single
Partnt's Group: anonymous
donors; all of our yard sale and
pizza supporters: all of the
volunteers who made calls for
fund raisers; and everyone who
cared enough to post our fliers.
Thank you for helping us
silence the voice of complicity.
We hope to be buster and
build a strong membership for
1995. 1vr-ASt;'s mission is
education, legislation and
referrals.We can not allow this
abuse to go on.A child is
sexually abused every two
minutes.
Questions or donations should
be made to P.O. Box 222,
Eureka 95502-0222, or call
443-0404.
Happy holidays and watch for
great happenings in 1995.
Katie Grout, Regional Director
Lureka
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Dedicated to Protecting Children Against Sexual Abuse
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
DATE: TELEPHONE:
EXECUTIVE BOARD OFFICE ( )
Claire R.Reeves NAME: HOME ( )
President/Founder FAX ( )
Laurie Johnson ADDRESS:
SecretarylFreasurer
Catherine Gould,Ph.D CITY: STATE: ZIP:
Jennifer J.King,Esq.
Andrea Norman,MBA COUNTY:
Dina Bachelor Evan, Ph.D.,MFC
Mark Roseman,Esq. MEMEBERSHIP OPTIONS: I am interested
Anette Powell in vounteering
in the following
NATIONAL LIFETIME MEMBER $1000 areas:
ADVISORY BOARD
Gloria Allred, Esq. FOUNDING MEMBER $500 ( ) MEMBERSHIP
Meredith Avery COMMITTE
Maureen Brugh CHARTER MEMBER $100
Monarch Resources ( ) FUND—RAISING
.Donna Friess,Ph.D. FAMILY MEMBERSHIP $ 50
Honorable Ken Friess ( ) MEDIA SUPPORT
Dr.Vicki Graham-Costain,Ph.D. INDIVIDUAL MEMBER $ 25
David Hamilton, Ph.D.,J.D. ( ) POLITICAL
Paris, Texas SUPPORT
Joanna Kerns STUDENT MEMBER $ 15
(formerly TV"Growing Pains') ( ) OTHER
Jackie Lichtenstein,M.D.
Candy Lightner MONTHLY DONATION:
(founder ofMADD) MASA is in need of assistance with our monthly
Patricia Massie overhead. We would greatly appreciate your
Concerned Citizens Comm.on Pornography commitment to any amount on a monthly basis.
Det.Robert Navarro
Los Angeles Police Department
$5. 00 $10.00 $15. 00 $25. 00
Amy Neustein.Ph.D. (Make checks payable to MASA. Membership is
New York
Lisa Pomeroy,Ph.D. $25. 00 annually, but larger donations are greatly
appreciated. )
Judith Block Remet,M.D.
New York ALL MEMBERSHIPS AND CONTRIBUTIONS ARE TAX
Myra Rydell,LCSW DEDUCTIBLE.
Joseph Stoltman,Jr.
Investigative consultant And the angel said to the child in the womb
Roland Summit,M.D. "What will you most need to flourish?"
UCLA Medical Center
Douglas J.Wolf, Esq. And the' child thought in silence and then replied
Only safety. . . . .please
503 1/2 S. Myrtle Avenue, #4, Monrovia, CA 91016 • (818) 305-1986 • Fax (818) 305-5190
GOVERNOR PETE WILSON
February 21,2995
Aileen Adams
Director
Office for Victims of Crime
Office of justice Programs
U.S. Department of Justice
Washington, D.C. 20531
Dear Ms. Adams:
It is my pleasure to recommend Dr..Donna Friess of Cypress, California, to be
honored during the 1995 National Crime Victims Rights Week ceremonies.
Donna Friess is a truly spirited and courageous woman. She has overcome
personal tragedy, and through the telling, of her story,is helping other victims heal.
Unfortunately, while Donna's courage and selflessness are unique, her story is all
too common. Donna was victimized by the very person who should have been her
greatest protector, her father. Even more horrible was that her abuse was
continuous. Donna's father molested her from the time that she was a small child
until she went away to college. Her story came to national attention when she and
her sisters were forced to intervene to protect their four-year-old niece from sexual
molestation by their father. He was convicted and sentenced to 12 years in state
Prison.
Donna is a professor, author, lecturer, and advocate for victims' rights and
the prevention of child abuse and incest She has taught human communications
at Cypress College in Orange County for over 28 years, and wrote,the highly
acclaimed book, Cry the Darkness which is her true story of surviving a childhood
of incest. WIth.the publication of that work, and the subsequent medte attention,
Donna Friess' story reached 60 million Americans. Her case has helped focus
national attention on the frequency of child abuse in middle class homes acres
America. Her second book,jupt Bctw=l7a,has helped survivors of child abu9e to
heal themselves and their relationships. Her papers, which have been reprinted in
national publications, have focused on the frequency of child molestation and on
successfully surviving such abuse. As a crusader for children's rights, she is a
frequent guest speaker on radio and television talk shows, and professional
conferences.
'STATE CA.PTTOL SACRAMENTO. C,AUPORMA 95814 • (916) 445-2841
r
Ms. Aileen Adams
February 23, 1995
Page Two
In addition to her writing and advocacy on behalf of victims, Donna has
demonstrated her commitment to victims rights through her service in numerous
professional organizations. She is it founding member of the National Coalition
Against Child Sexual Abuse, where she has been a leader in the fight to prevent
child molestation. She also serves on the board of directors of Mothers Against
Sexual Abuse. Donna is a board member and crisis counselor for Laura!s House,
Walk-in Center Against Domestic Violence.
Donna's activism has also led her to testify before the California Legislature
in support of stronger criminal,sentences for perpetrators of sex crimes against child
victims. Donna was instrumental.-in helping my admin tra•tion enact greater
penalties for child molesters and rapists. She was also a panelist discussing the
problem of crimes against women and children during the 1994 statewide crime
summit. Additionau' �7onna was a member of the Califon-da delegation which ,
met with Senator Bob Dole to discuss the federal Crime Bill.
Not gnly has Donna worked for system wide changes to protract the rights of
victims, she has also reached out at a very personal level to work with troubled
youth. Donna volunteers her time to teach teenage gang members. She attempts to
show these teens through role modeling and alternative interests that violence and
gang membership are undesirable. .
Donna Pziess has been and continues to be an inspirational survivor of a
childhood of victimization. She has overcome theAragedy of her youth and has
gone on to work to put an end to violence and abuse in the home, and help other
victims through the recovery process, For all her efforts on behalf of victims
everywhere, Donna is most deserving of national recognition.
Your serious consideration of her nomination is appreciated,
Sincerely,
PETE W SON
ca
Thomas Edward IVall
Attorney At Law
12063 Jefferson Blvd.
Culver City,Calif.90230
(310)827-4452
Fax(310)827-1747
March 18 , 1994
Claire Reeves
MASA
503 1/2 S. Myrtle Avenue
Ste 04
Monrovia, California 91016
Re: MASA
Dear h1s Reeves :
Tnank you very much . for informing me about
your organization.
As an attorney and judical officer involved in
childhood sexual abuse cases , I strongly support the
goals and objectives of MASA.
Kindly enclose please find my personal cheque
for charter membership in MASA.
I look forward to hearing the accomplishments
MASA is making toward protecting the youth of our
country from sexual abuse.
Very truly yours ,
THOMAS EDWARD WALL
ALLRED, MARQK(3 & GDLD8ERG
A•ARTNCASWIP O;}ROt[111fiONAL COMPO"."""
N300 WILSHIRE OOVLr4VARO
NATMAN 001.01111tRG' SLIME woo
MICMALL MAROKC' LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90046
OLOWA R.ALLRED'
(sia) ass-6530
s WEST
DOLORSS Y. LUL RAX 1*17) GS3-MOO
MCNLE MOCMKATEL
RVTM *.ORAR
LISA 1LOOM
JODY M.WEISS May 10, 1994
.A 111140tt{XI0RAL CORMORAlION
To Whom It May Concerns
I have been very proud to 'be a part of MASA. In fact, my
office makes several referrals a week to this organization.
A group such as MASA, which is dedicated to protecting
children against sexual abuse has been needed for many years.
sincerely,
is Allred
GA/ldm
TOTAL P.01
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Office of the Assistant Secretary, Suite 600
370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20447
November 16, 1992
Ms. Claire R. Reeves
President
Mothers Against Sexual Abusers
Post Office Box 5653
Mission Hills, California 91395-0683
Dear Ms. Reeves:
On behalf of President Bush, I wish to extend my appreciation of
your efforts to alert the public of the prevalence and
seriousness of child sexual abuse. Your candlelight vigil on
October 30 was the type of event that effectively attracts the
attention of concerned people to be on the look out for instances
of child maltreatment in their own communities. As you know,
child sexual abuse knows no neighborhood boundaries. In city and
in country, in rich and in poor homes, there are children who are
having their childhoods taken away from them through sexual
abuse.
It is heartening to learn of organizations such as yours which
are trying to address the problem of child sexual abuse at the
community level. Your example speaks to the responsibility each
of us has to foster environments where children are safe,
nurtured and respected.
Thank you for your efforts on behalf of America's children.
Sincerely,
Al
W' �,eZ '�
Jo Anne B. Barnhart
Assistant Secretary
for Children and Families
HOME SAVINGS
OF AMER ICAFA
1
Monrovia Office•102 West Foothill Boulevard•Monrovia•California 91016-2145
Customer Service(818)960.1755•Branch(818)357-7472
November 28, 1994
M_ ASA
503 1/2 South Myrtle Ave. # 4
Monrovia, Ca. 91016
Dear Claire:
Enclosed you will find a check for $200.00 as our donation to your organization.
It is always a pleasure for Home Savings of America to contribute to those groups or
institutions whose contribution to the community are as outstanding and commendable as
yours.
We would appreciate acknowledgment or recognition of Home Savings of America's
contribution in any way you deem fitting.
Sincerely,.
AoOVelasWco
Branch Manager
enclosure
February 17, 1994
Eva Williams
2579 West Buena Vista Dr.
Rialto , CA. 92377
MASA
Mothers Against Sexual Abuse
503 1/2 S. Myrtle Ave. Ste. 4
Monrovia, CA. 91016
Attention
Claire R. Reeves
Dear Claire,
I wanted to express my deepest appreciation to you and :MASA for all of you hard
work and emotional support you gave to me and my two little daughters. They are SAFE
now and we will never forget you and MASA! Thank you for all of your many hours you
spent on phone calls with C.P.S , therapist's, attorney's, police department, etc,etc,etc.
After four years of suffering I saw a MASA commercial one night after Cops. I
immediately contacted the number I saw over the T.V. the following morning. I spoke to
you . You gave me the strength to believe my children could be and should be safe and
you assured me you would not give up until you had done everything in your power to sec
that they were safe from any more abuse at their Father's hands.
As you know my daughters endured four long years of sexual, emotional,
psychological, and physical abuse. And because of our so-called legal system my kids
were helpless to this constant and life long scarring pain. But because of MASA and all of
your hard work and concern for abused children (as well as their helpless non-offending
parents), my two beautiful little girls are now free of the abuse and pain . They now have
the chance to heal and with God's help become positive healthy individuals in our society.
Claire, I could never begin to re-pay you and MASA for your help and support.
You also helped me find a kind, warm, compassionate and caring attorney. Before you, I
did not believe there were any honest attorney's left in this world. Thank you! God bless
you and MASA for all of the hard work you did for My two little girls! I hope and pray
you can continue to help many other hurtin¢ children and their parents as you did for us!
Thank You!
With all of our love and appreciation,
Eva Williams and Beth and Kelly Evans
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STATE OF CALIFORNIA Pets Wilson, Governor
DEPARTMENT OF THE YOUTH AUTHORITY
FRED C. NELLES SCHOOL
11850 EAST WHITTIER BOULEVARD
WHITTIER.CA 90601
PHONE (310) 698-6781
May 23, 1994
Claire Reeves
503-1/2 S. Myrtle Avenue, Suite 4
Monrovia, California 91016
Dear Ms. Reeves:
The purpose of this letter is to thank you for your participation in the
1994 Victim Awareness Week Observances here at Fred C. Nelles School.
Your impact was strongly felt. As earlier noted, there is no more
powerful tool to that end than your type of presentation to this population.
I hope you will continue this work partnership with our school. If you
have any comments or questions, please call James Welke, Program
Administrator, at (310) 698-6781 , ext. 271 .
Once more, thank you.
00
�enr Vander Weide
Superintendent
November 29, 1993
Claire Reeves
President/Founder
MASA
503 1/2 South Myrtle Avenue #4
Monrovia, CA 91016
Dear Claire,
First of all, thank you for your kind letter. The event honoring
Marilyn was a very special evening and I was so happy to be a
part of it. Marilyn is a special person and I am so fortunate to
consider her my friend.
I would be honored to join the Advisory Board for MASA. I am
deeply committed to helping the fight against child sexual
abuse. Please extend my thanks to the board of directors and let
me know if there is anything I can do to help. The golf
tournament sounds like a wonderful event and I would be more than
happy to participate depending on my schedule and availability.
As for your son, Art, I would recommend Cynda Jackson at The Loft
Studio here in Los Angeles. She is an excellent acting teacher
and she studied under my teacher, Peggy Feury. Her phone number
is (213) 933-6944 . Have him call and tell her I referred him.
It is so important to study with a great teacher and Cynda is
very good and well respected.
Thank you again and happy holidays.
S ' y
JK: lh
Monarch Resources P.O.Box 1293
Torrance,CA 90505-0293
Resources with a H.E.A.R.T Helping End Abuse and Ritual Torture Phone(310)373.1958
6 May 1994
Mrs. Claire Reeves
President and Founder
Mothers Against Sexual Abuse (MASA)
503 1/2 S. Myrtle Ave., Suite 4
Monrovia, CA 91016
Subject: Thank You for Speaking to the Family Violence Council
Dear Claire:
On behalf of the Family Violence Council of the South Bay, please accept our gratitude
for speaking at our monthly meeting on April 22, 1994. Your presentation on 'When
the Judicial System Doesn't Work - Child Sexual Abuse' was extremely well received
and the members so appreciated your candid and professional style, and your
knowledgeable responses to their questions.
The audience was surprised to learn of the many cases in which children are returned
to the abuser/parent even when there is physicaVmedical evidence, as well as
recommendations by the social worker/doctor/and both attorneys not to do so.
Everyone was most impressed with the work MASA is doing, including court-monitoring,
education, advocacy, and the numerous chapters initiated in various states.
As always, Claire, you were a delightful and dynamic speaker and the Executive Board
voted unaruinous;y iv bring you back as 5 speaker next yearl Am you aiiai of on
Friday, April 28, 1995, to give us a MASA update? Will you please speak to the Family
Violence Council next year? Please call me before May 20 to confirm, as we are
finalizing our 1994-95 calendar.
Everyone really enjoyed meeting you and your staff. Thank you so much for being
willing to join us so early in the morning (driving that long distance in the.wee hours)
and taking time out of your busy schedule to speak to our South Bay community
agencies and professionals. The Council voted to send you a $25.00 donation to cover
gas money as a way of saying thank you; this will be sent under separate cover.
Claire Reeves - MASA
Page 2.
Again, thank you for a wonderful and informative presentation. If we can assist you
and MASA in any way, please call me at 310/373-1958 or the Family Violence Council
President, Muriel Savikas at 310/545-9350.
Sincerely,
Maureen M. Brugh
Executive Board
Family Violence Council of the South Bay
cc: Dr. Muriel Savikas
Mrs. Mary Jo Wolowicz