CHILDHOOD ABUSE SURVIVOR EXPLAINS HOW THE ECONOMIC CRISIS INFLICTS HEAVY TOLL ON CHILDREN OF DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILIES
— Novelist and youth advocate sheds realistic light on teen runaways, teen suicide and children of alcoholics along with other related problems and explains how the current economic crisis has contributed to their increase
Who are the final and most precious victims of today’s economic turmoil? CHILDREN! A healthy, well-functioning family will probably weather the current economic situation with some belt-tightening and a few more family game nights. However, the dysfunctional, abusive clan may spiral into a situation of hopelessness and despair. But, as Steve Simpson, runaway advocate and educator can tell you, there is NEVER an acceptable excuse for child abuse of any kind.
USA Today and Reuters are just a few of the news agencies reporting an increase in teen runaways, suicide, abandonment, etc. in recent months.
The National Runaway Switchboard handles more than 100,000 calls each year, many from troubled young people dealing with increasingly difficult issues. Data from the organization shows that callers are getting younger and that 6,884 crisis callers last year said they had been abused or neglected, compared with 3,860 in 2000; a 78% increase. These heart-wrenching numbers can only be expected to increase in 2009 as the economy shows no signs of a quick recovery.
“The economic problems will get better. Stocks will go up. But a young person’s life is a stock we can’t afford to have go down!” says Simpson. “It is important that we recognize that the economy affects more than income and jobs…..it affects at-risk children significantly.”
Growing up, Simpson experienced violent abuse at the hands of an alcoholic father. As a young boy, he found solace in writing stories as a way to escape his tragic home-life. In his novel Runaway, he deftly portrays many of the unfortunate, yet compelling themes of his life. Wrapping important messages in the form of fiction, he opens the door for discussion which then can eventually lead to healing and resolution for children, and the parent or caregiver as well.
Simpson went from having no self-esteem or self-worth to receiving accolades and awards from teachers and school officials. He has since become a very successful business person who has never abandoned the most important issue in his life…..being an outspoken advocate for at-risk young people. Among the various topics that Mr. Simpson discusses:
* How the stress of the economic situation can directly lead to abuse and serious problems for children
* The psychology behind alcoholism and the children of alcoholics — why it happens, what triggers it, and why things like financial worries can amplify it
* Why there are always viable and realistic alternatives to running away and/or suicide.
* The devastating impact abuse has on a child’s self-esteem
* The real reasons young people run away or try to commit suicide
* The truth about living in a foster home
* How parents’ can admit mistakes and move on
* The impact of the Internet on teens at risk.
Steve Simpson has been a volunteer on behalf of troubled young people on Long Island, NY for many years. He leads a long-standing youth group which deals with all of the difficult issues faced by many young people today. In the past he has advised and consulted with various media outlets regarding the topics of teen runaways, suicide, abuse, self-esteem, etc. His novel, Runaway, has been endorsed by the National Runaway Switchboard (1-800-RUNAWAY) as well as several national school curriculums.
Simpson has appeared on numerous national TV shows including Montel Williams, Sally Jesse Raphael, Geraldo, Ricki Lake, Maury Povich and the NBC News Network.
Runaway can be purchased at the author’s website www.powerpublishingcorp.com, as well as BakerandTaylor.com and BookClearingHouse.com. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to charity.
