About

SSTA AWARE was founded on the belief that our personal narratives not only connect us, but have the power to create meaningful conversations that drive positive change around the pressing global issue of sibling sexual trauma and abuse.

Our Mission

SSTA AWARE seeks to be a global leader in spreading awareness through the stories of empowered lived experts, to break the silence around Sibling Sexual Trauma and Abuse (SSTA), and drive systemic change through education, prevention, and trauma-informed care. We advocate for the inclusion of SSTA in school curricula, parent education, and professional training across all systems that serve children and survivors, ensuring every voice is heard, every story is believed, and every survivor receives the support they deserve.

Sibling Sexual Trauma and Abuse (SSTA) remains one of the most overlooked and under-acknowledged forms of childhood sexual abuse. Despite its prevalence, there is a critical gap in prevention, education, and trauma-informed care across all systems that serve children and families. To bring true systemic change, we must first name and include SSTA explicitly in all child sexual abuse prevention efforts. Schools, parents, and caregivers must be educated to recognize and respond to the unique dynamics of SSTA, and prevention programs must reflect the reality that abuse often occurs within the home.

Furthermore, systemic change requires the development and widespread adoption of SSTA-informed training for clinicians, social workers, law enforcement, legal professionals, judges, and all frontline responders. Without this foundation, survivors of SSTA continue to be misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or entirely dismissed by the systems meant to support them.

We call for a coordinated, trauma-informed, and survivor-centered approach that integrates SSTA awareness and intervention into every layer of prevention, care, and justice. Only then can we begin to break the silence, offer effective healing pathways, and prevent future harm.

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.

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.

With Gratitude,

Colleen Mullowney Psy. M.