Confrontation, Compassion, and Forgiveness: A Triage for Transformation
James S. Prager, MSW & Michael Prior, PhD | September 24 | 11:45 AM-12:45 PM
Topic: Conceptual, Experience | Knowledge Level: Advanced
Community safety is of critical importance. People with sexually oriented offenses return to our community every day creating anxiety and fear for both the offender and the community. The need to protect society from perpetrators that inflict violence upon vulnerable others is the purpose for some of the work we do today. Is there ever a time that reformed perpetrators and those in recovery can be useful to the cause to end violence? Some former gang members help professionals understand the issues and return to their communities to support current gang members to change their lives. But is there a space where a recovering rapist can help? Is there a place where a former child sex abuser can help? Can a former trafficker be genuinely helpful to the cause? Whose permission and approval do they need? Are they banished forever and if so, where will they go and what will they do when they get out of prison? How far do your acts of forgiveness and your belief in redemption and recovery go? Is it acceptable to believe recovery is possible for survivors, but not for perpetrators? It is time to be consistent in your beliefs and be challenged. This session will consist of a question-and-answer interview with a former child molester turned anti-trafficking and child protection advocate. He has spent the last few decades in therapy and in researching and learning the process of recovery and change and helps others do the same. He openly and honestly shares his experience, thoughts, research, and work.
Presentation Objectives:
· Challenge audience members to understand the value that people in recovery can bring to a cause
· Discuss the main principles of restorative justice and re-entry