A new website, Support Beyond Stigma, offers guidance for people whose loved ones have been accused or convicted of offenses involving child sexual abuse material (CSAM). It provides state‑by‑state legal information, recent news, and practical resources on emotional wellbeing, legal processes, incarceration, reentry, and related challenges.
The site was created “for parents, partners, siblings, friends, and others navigating the upheaval that follows an accusation or conviction.” Its mission is to help families understand the legal process, stay informed, access housing and employment resources, and safeguard their wellbeing amid the stigma and isolation these cases often create.
The founder, whose 21‑year‑old son was arrested, convicted of one count, and sentenced to three years in prison (two on extended supervision and 15 on the registry), quickly realized how few resources existed for families in similar situations. “The depression I felt, along with the lack of information available, inspired me to create this for others facing the same situation,” she said.
Click here to go to the website csamsupport.org
To see other support websites, select the Resources menu on all ACSOL pages, then select Support and Advocacy Groups
How about society grow up and stop shaming people with sex convictions instead? We shouldn’t need outreach programs as a coping mechnanism. iIf society didn’t fall for the lies propaganda and harbor deep-seated emotional bias against anyone that’s been convicted with this stuff. There is no restoration of trust, reputation reubilding or any unified goals towards goodstanding post-conviction. I lay blame on multiple fronts with the media, tv shows like L&O SVU and child safety advocates that everyone with a sex conviction is sexually dangerous for life.
When I was in court-ordered mandatory thearapy for 3 years, I simply felt zero unity, comradery or relatability with those in that group. It was worse than torture.
Excellent! Kudos to the mother that took the time to create this resource. From the description of her son’s offense & sentence, it sounds like he was a victim of the cheesheads–just like myself. There really aren’t any states worse than Wisconsin. 😟
There is a subscription fee to participate in their online community that appears not yet launched. I understand websites cost money, and I understand that they are trying to make sure people seriously want to be part of the community, but the fee turned me off. $100 / year or $15 / mo is a barrier to keep out trouble makers, but it also keeps out people who truly need support.
When your child, partner, family member is arrested, you are in shock, devasted, reeling in despair all while trying to act quickly to assess, understand, and gather your resources and legal counsel. It is psychological chaos. And I’m not just talking the first couple days. This mental chaos lasts a while as anyone in the “justice” system knows it is a roller coaster. People may be up in the middle of the night looking for online support and they may not be able to pay a subscriber fee. The costs of being in the system are huge as we all know. Lawyers, monitoring software, GPS “bracelets”, treatment for years, polygraphs, lost wages, and on it goes – we don’t need subscriber fees.
I found ACSOL during one of my many sleepless nights. And this is just one of many kudos to ACSOL that they provide this monitored forum for FREE. All you have to do is give your email and behave yourself. I realize this other site may provide more resources and specific support, but who knows, I can’t get in to see whether it’s any good. Janice, the ACSOL team, and all of you with your wisdom have given me so much. So I donate when I can and suggest you all do what you can too because look around, you cannot find anyone or anything that does not want a monthly fee anymore.