Our Mission

​SSTA AWARE was founded on the belief that our personal narratives not only connect us, but have the power to address the pressing global issue of sibling sexual trauma and abuse. SSTA AWARE seeks to empower lived experts through their stories, educate the public about this silent epidemic, and offer hope to those suffering.  

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About the Founder
 

My journey with Sibling Sexual Trauma/Abuse started before I was born. I believe that one of the driving forces behind the SSTA in my home was the existence of generational trauma in my family system. My parents' inability to meet the emotional needs of their children, coupled with their age, their own unmet emotional needs, and historical family trauma; left my brother and me in a home that lacked healthy boundaries, consistency, or proper supervision. For years I lived in fear and shame, hiding the trauma of my childhood. Besieged by a lifetime of dysfunctional coping mechanisms, I found I could no longer manage my life, and finally sought help. 

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SSTA is believed to be 3-5 times more prevalent than adult/child sexual abuse yet is still very much under-recognized and underreported. Data and research are still limited, and government agencies continue to group sibling sexual abuse under the same umbrella of childhood sexual abuse without understanding the distinct differences between sexual abuse perpetrated by and adult and sexual abuse carried out by a sibling. 

 

Until recently it has been difficult to find information, support, and a community dealing with SSTA. In the last few years more people have bravely been telling their story to help shine a spotlight on this silent epidemic. Through their persistence, SSTA is slowly finding its way out of the shadows and into the light of the public consciousness. It is the stories that help drive research. Stories reveal the prevalence and patterns of trauma and behavior. The more we tell our stories, the better we can understand, educate, and prevent future families from dealing with this trauma. 

 

I have been telling my story to friends and family for the last 25 years to process and free myself from the shame that silenced me for the first 30. Today I tell my story to shine a light on this silent epidemic and give others hope. I have a Master’s in Community Psychology from Antioch University in Los Angeles and I am a certified instructor in ECHO Training and Education, a nonviolent, trauma informed practice. 

 

Over the years my goal has always been the same, to grow, heal, and give space for others to feel seen and heard. As I advocate for myself, I advocate for you.  Wherever you are, know that there is a community of people that have walked in your shoes and understand your pain. You are not alone.

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With Gratitude, 

Colleen Mullowney Psy. M.