The Christopher Hansard Courant

March 20, 2009

Master Physician of Tibetan Dur Bon Medicine

The Metropolitan Police has received information concerning the practice of Tibetan Dur Bon Medicine within London and the possibility that certain, as yet unknown individuals, may have fallen victim to assault whilst receiving such treatment.

If you are the victim or witness to such a crime, please contact the Metropolitan Police at Project Sapphire, Territorial Police Headquarters, Victoria Embankment, London, SW1. Tel: 020 7321 7384. E-mail: sapphire@met.police.uk

March 16, 2009

Educating ourselves about alternatives [March 15, 2009]

Christopher Hansard – Master Physician of Tibetan Dur Bon Medicine, was able to lie about his credentials, history, and skills through the media, to the media, online, and in the following three publications; The Tibetan Art of Living, The Tibetan Art of Positive Thinking, and The Tibetan Art of Serenity.

It was through this ‘word of mouth’ advertising that he attracted clients to his workshops and his clinic, whether that was in Canada, California, or Colette House in the UK. The Courant has found out that he not only has intentions of gaining credentials, most worryingly through a series of psychology courses, but it has been said that he also intends on writing another book. Christopher Hansard has had designs on writing both a fantasy novel under a pen name, as well as a “tell-all” book about the dark period of his life following his divorce and supposed “emotional and nervous break-down”. This would be of course in response and as a defense against the allegations of sexual abuse said to have happened to many women while in his ‘care’ or tutelage within the last 5 years. However, abuses are said to have taken place through out his entire illustrious career as a healer, spanning from 1992 when he first opened his clinic in London, to now.

Allegations have ranged from inappropriate comments, touching, coercion to rape.

The story of his own tutelage or apprenticeship with a Tibetan Medicine Master in New Zealand burgeoning in 1961 at the tender of age of 4 is false and fraudulent.

After speaking with both the police in the UK and the RCMP in Canada, victims are urged to report their grievances, no matter how seemingly insignificant to the nearest police station for further support and advice. Victims will be inevitably be directed to the station closest to where the event took place. This means, those returning to North America from visiting Christopher Hansard in the UK, will need to contact the Sapphire Unit in the UK.

While you have been largely isolated and may feel alone, there are others, and it may just be a matter of bringing your story to the attention of the police and adding your story to others so that they can carry on an investigation which will eventually help you continue to strengthen and grow in your own convictions, hopefully finally feel vindicated, and begin to heal. Your words can encourage others to come forward as well and their strength will only add to yours and vice versa.

Whether the incident took place within the last 2 years or 20, it is still valid and will help bring credibility to others who share similar stories abuse. It is known that Mr. Hansard has a pattern of abuse and techniques he employs in his grooming of clients, workshop participants, massage therapists, and students.

In Canada please contact your local police unit or RCMP. Royal Canadian Mounted Police

In the UK please contact your nearest Sapphire Uni. MET Police

*If you were a patient, client, or workshop participant and were lured in through false advertising and credentials and there was an exchange of money involved you also have a case for fraud.

If the incident happened in the UK, then you are encouraged to contact the police in the UK directly no matter where you currently reside. It has been suggested that Christopher Hansard is still practicing out of his clinic in Westminster, London in the UK. Therefore victims are encouraged to contact both the Advertising and Trading Standards of Westminster and the MET Police in that area or in Chelsea.

Yesterday’s article

March 15, 2009

Educating ourselves about alternatives

Christopher Hansard – Master Physician of Tibetan Dur Bon Medicine, was able to lie about his credentials, history, and skills through the media, to the media, online, and in the following three publications; The Tibetan Art of Living, The Tibetan Art of Positive Thinking, and The Tibetan Art of Serenity.

It was through this ‘word of mouth’ advertising that he attracted clients to his workshops and his clinic, whether that was in Canada, California, or Colette House in the UK. The Courant has found out that he not only has intentions of gaining credentials, most worryingly through a series of psychology courses, but it has been said that he also intends on writing another book. Christopher Hansard has had designs on writing both a fantasy novel under a pen name, as well as a “tell-all” book about the dark period of his life following his divorce and supposed “emotional and nervous break-down”. This would be of course in response and as a defense against the allegations of sexual abuse said to have happened to many women while in his ‘care’ or tutelage within the last 5 years. However, abuses are said to have taken place through out his entire illustrious career as a healer, spanning from 1992 when he first opened his clinic in London, to now.

Allegations have ranged from inappropriate comments, touching, coercion to rape.

The story of his own tutelage or apprenticeship with a Tibetan Medicine Master in New Zealand burgeoning in 1961 at the tender of age of 4 is false and fraudulent.

After speaking with both the police in the UK and the RCMP in Canada, victims are urged to report their grievances, no matter how seemingly insignificant to the nearest police station for further support and advice. Victims will be inevitably be directed to the station closest to where the event took place. This means, those returning to North America from visiting Christopher Hansard in the UK, will need to contact the Sapphire Unit in the UK.

While you have been largely isolated and may feel alone, there are others, and it may just be a matter of bringing your story to the attention of the police and adding your story to others so that they can carry on an investigation which will eventually help you continue to strengthen and grow in your own convictions, hopefully finally feel vindicated, and begin to heal. Your words can encourage others to come forward as well and their strength will only add to yours and vice versa.

Whether the incident took place within the last 2 years or 20, it is still valid and will help bring credibility to others who share similar stories abuse. It is known that Mr. Hansard has a pattern of abuse and techniques he employs in his grooming of clients, workshop participants, massage therapists, and students.

In Canada please contact your local police unit or RCMP. Royal Canadian Mounted Police

In the UK please contact your nearest Sapphire Uni. MET Police

*If you were a patient, client, or workshop participant and were lured in through false advertising and credentials and there was an exchange of money involved you also have a case for fraud.

If the incident happened in the UK, then you are encouraged to contact the police in the UK directly no matter where you currently reside. It has been suggested that Christopher Hansard is still practicing out of his clinic in Westminster, London in the UK. Therefore victims are encouraged to contact both the Advertising and Trading Standards of Westminster and the MET Police in that area or in Chelsea.

Alternative medicine: Evaluate claims of treatment success

Educating yourself about alternative medicine helps you determine whether its treatments are worth exploring. Follow these suggestions to help you assess the claims.

Alternative medicine treatments ranging from herbal remedies to acupuncture have become more popular as people seek greater control of their own health. But while they do give you more options, these treatments aren’t always proven safe or effective. When considering any alternative treatments, be a savvy consumer. Be open-minded yet skeptical of medical claims. Many treatments, both conventional and unconventional, have risks and side effects.

Alternative medicine — practices that aren’t typically used in conventional medicine — is generally thought of as being used instead of conventional methods. When alternative practices are used in addition to the conventional therapies, they are called complementary medicine. Together, these treatments are sometimes referred to as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).

With any alternative treatment you consider, find out if the potential benefits outweigh the risks. It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor and do research on your own before trying any treatment. Be especially aware of possible side effects of herbs and dietary supplements, which can cause problems with medications — and aren’t as well tested or regulated as are conventional treatments.

Also find out exactly what the treatment will cost. Assess the credentials of anyone who advocates alternative medicine. Gather information from a variety of sources and evaluate the information carefully.

Avoiding Internet misinformation: Use the Three D’s

The Internet offers an ideal way to discover the latest in alternative medicine treatments. Web sites can be updated at any time to keep up with new products, therapies and advances in the field. But beware — the Internet is also one of the greatest sources of misinformation. Carefully investigate each alternative medicine site you visit. Considering these three features can help you weed out the good products from the bad:

Dates. Search for the most recent information you can find. Reputable Web sites include a date for each article they post. Older material may not include recent findings, such as newly discovered side effects or advances in the field.

Documentation. Check for the source of information.

  • Web sites created by major medical centers, universities and government agencies are the most credible.
  • Some Web sites post a logo from the Health on the Net (HON) Foundation. Sites that display this logo have agreed to abide by the HON Code of Conduct, which regulates reliability and credibility of information.
  • Notice whether articles refer to solid scientific studies.
  • Look for a board of qualified professionals who review information before it’s published.
  • Be wary of commercial sites or personal testimonials that push a single point of view or sell miracle cures.
  • Stay away from sites that don’t clearly distinguish between scientific evidence and advertisements.

Double-checking. Visit several health sites and compare the information they offer. And before you follow any medical advice, ask your doctor for guidance. If you search all over a Web site for supporting evidence or you can’t find evidence to back up the manufacturer’s claims, be wary of the information.

Beware of scams and health fraud

Scammers have perfected ways to convince you that their alternative medicine products are the best. These opportunists often target people who are overweight or who have medical conditions for which there is no cure, such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, HIV/AIDS and arthritis. Remember — if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Certain words and phrases can be warning signs of potentially fraudulent alternative medicine products. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that you watch out for the following claims or practices:

  • Red flag words. The advertisements or promotional materials usually include words such as “satisfaction guaranteed,” “miracle cure” or “new discovery.” If the product were in fact a cure, it would be widely reported in the media and your doctor would recommend it.
  • Pseudomedical jargon. Though terms such as “purify,” “detoxify” and “energize” may sound impressive and may even have an element of truth, they’re generally used to cover up a lack of scientific proof. Watch out for these words.
  • Cure-alls. The manufacturer claims that the product can treat a wide range of symptoms, or cure or prevent a number of diseases. No single product can do all this.
  • Anecdotal evidence. Testimonials are no substitute for solid scientific documentation. If the product is scientifically sound, it’s actually to the manufacturer’s advantage — and ultimately yours — to promote the scientific evidence.
  • False accusations. The manufacturer of the product accuses the government or a medical profession of suppressing important information about their product’s benefits. Neither the government nor any medical profession has any reason to withhold information that could help people.

Look for solid scientific studies

If you read about studies in journal articles, assess the quality of the research. Look for words such as “double-blind,” “controlled” and “randomized.” Doctors consider these types of studies to contain the most valuable information. Here are some common terms you’ll encounter in research articles:

  • Clinical studies. These involve studies on human beings – not animals. They generally come after studies that demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of the treatment in animals and in the lab. Studies done solely in test tubes and petri dishes can’t prove benefit to humans.
  • Randomized, controlled trials. Participants in these trials usually are divided into groups. One group receives the treatment under investigation. Another group may be a control group — participants receive standard treatment, no treatment or an inactive substance called a placebo. Participants are assigned to these groups on a random basis. This helps ensure that the groups will be similar.
  • Double-blind studies. In these studies, neither the researchers nor the human subjects know who will receive the active treatment and who will receive the placebo.

Look for peer-reviewed journals — those that only publish articles reviewed by an independent panel of medical experts. Also look for replicated studies, ones that have been repeated by different investigators with generally the same results.

One or two small studies, whether the results are positive or negative, usually aren’t enough to make a definite decision about whether to use or skip a specific treatment. Unfortunately, there are a limited number of quality studies on many alternative medicine treatments. Keep in mind that while solid research studies are the best way to evaluate whether a treatment is safe and effective, a lack of solid evidence doesn’t always mean these treatments don’t work — but it does mean they haven’t been proved.

Research studies on alternative medicine are being conducted every year. As research continues, many of the answers about whether these treatments are safe or effective will become clearer. Much of the funding for these studies comes from the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, which is also a good resource to examine when investigating alternative medicine treatments.

Evaluate providers

When selecting an alternative treatment provider, evaluate your options. Simply choosing a name from a telephone directory is risky if you have no other information about the provider. You might try checking with:

  • Medical centers. At many medical centers, CAM practioners are working collaboratively with conventional physicians.
  • State regulators. Check your state government listings for agencies that regulate and license health care providers. These agencies may list practitioners in your area and offer a way to check credentials.
  • National associations. National associations and their local affiliates can usually provide you with the names of certified practitioners in your area. To find the addresses and phone numbers of these associations, visit your local library or use the Internet to find association Web sites. But be careful — official-sounding organizations aren’t always reputable. Talk with your doctor or another trusted health care professional for advice.
  • Friends and family. If you know someone who’s received the treatment you’re considering, he or she can offer advice. Ask about his or her experiences with specific providers. Call the provider to request an interview.

Many treatments, both conventional and unconventional, have risks and side effects. With any treatment you consider, find out if the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Also find out exactly what the treatment will cost.

Dietary supplements: ‘Natural’ doesn’t always mean safe

Herbal remedies, vitamins and minerals, considered dietary supplements by the FDA, don’t have the same rigorous testing and labeling process as over-the-counter and prescription medications. Yet, some of these substances, including products labeled as “natural,” have drug-like effects that can be dangerous. Even some vitamins and minerals can cause problems when taken in excessive amounts. While some changes to federal labeling guidelines have helped protect consumers by requiring manufacturers to evaluate the identity, purity, strength, and composition of dietary supplements, some companies have until 2010 to meet the new labeling requirements. And even stricter guidelines aren’t a guarantee these products are entirely safe or effective. Before taking a dietary supplement, carefully investigate potential benefits and side effects.

  • Talk to your doctor before taking a dietary supplement. This is especially if you are pregnant, nursing a baby, or if you have a chronic medical condition such as diabetes or heart disease.
  • Avoid drug interactions. Prescription and over-the-counter medications can interact with certain dietary supplements. For example, the anticoagulant Coumadin (a prescription medication), ginkgo biloba (an herbal supplement) and Vitamin E can all thin the blood. Taking these products together can increase your risk of internal bleeding or other problems.
  • Tell your doctor about any supplements you take before surgery. Some supplements can cause problems during surgery such as changes in heart rate or blood pressure or increased bleeding. You may need to stop taking these supplements at least two to three weeks before your procedure.

Don’t forgo conventional treatment

Ideally the various forms of treatments you select should work together with the care of your conventional doctor. You may find that certain alternative treatments help you maintain your health and relieve some of your symptoms. But continue to rely on conventional medicine to diagnose a problem and treat diseases. Don’t change your conventional treatment — such as your dose of prescribed medication — without talking to your doctor first. For your safety, tell your doctor about all alternative treatments you use.

RELATED

March 13, 2009

Is Christopher Hansard now “Based in Canada”?

Christopher Hansard, Physician of Tibetan Bon Medicine
Master Physician of Tibetan B?n Medicine. Author, educator on ancient Tibetan lifestyle, health, and spirituality. Based in Canada.

According to the above submission from “Healthy Popular.com” he is!

It appears to be a more recent link as it links directly back to his own site.

If you are in Canada, and you have been sexually harassed, assaulted, coerced into granting sexual favours for Christopher Hansard while in his ‘care’ as a therapist, under the title of “Physician of Tibetan Dur Bon Medicine” please contact your local RCMP station and ask them for advice.

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Tantric teachings, Dur Bon teachings, or Sexual Coercion & Abuse

Through the course of  on-going research, every article found by the Courant on Adult Sexual Abuse seems to suggest that victims should turn to either an existing therapist or find a physician.

But the question remains, what if the therapist or “physician” [of Tibetan Dur Bon Medicine] you have turned to for help, winds up convincing you that the ‘cure’ can only be found through them, in a ’spiritual manner’? What if it is your physician that tells you that you must surrender yourself to them completely in order to experience a successful healing journey?  What if over the course of a year, or many, the man you refer to as your ‘doctor’ [of Tibetan Medicine] has persuaded you that he is in love with you, and has somehow beset upon you that the strange sexual incidences that only over occur in his treatment room or office are ‘for your own good’, “a Dur Bon teaching” or part of legitimate “Tantric teachings”.

Sexual Abuse of Adults

What is the sexual abuse of adults?

Sexual abuse of adults includes both sexual harassment and rape.

What behaviors occur with sexual abuse of adults?

Sexual harassment includes any unwelcomed sexual advances or unwanted sexual contact by another adult. People involved in sexual harassment may also tell sexual jokes, ask for sexual favors, and/or use crude or abusive language in the presence of someone else who is not inviting the behavior. Victims of harassment may wrongly blame themselves for having somehow contributed to the harassment.

Rape is the forceful act of sexual intercourse against a person’s will or consent. The focus of rape is power or anger and not sex. Rape is frequently carried out by someone known to the victim and can even occur within a marriage. Anal intercourse, which may accompany rape, is called sodomy. Fellatio, oral sex, may also be a forced act that accompanies a rape. Threats of serious bodily harm or death are often connected to a rape. Following an assault, victims of sexual abuse will often feel like they have been ruined by the horrible, painful event. Victims of rape may also wrongly blame themselves for somehow getting into a situation where the assault occurred.

What are some of the statistics of sexual abuse of adults?

  1. Most rapes are committed by men between the ages of 20 and 50.
  2. Victims of rape range from under 2 years of age to more than 80 years of age.
  3. More than 50 percent of all rapes reported in the United States occur against females under 18 years of age.
  4. Strangers commit only about one-half of all rapes; the other half are caused by men who are known to their victims.
  5. Relatives of the victim commit about 5 percent of all rapes.
  6. In more than one-third of all cases of rape, the male, the female, or both were using alcohol.

Do males or females commit sexual abuse?

Males are almost always the perpetrators of sexual abuse in the United States.

At what age does sexual abuse of adults occur?

Sexual abuse of adults occurs during any age of adulthood even into the geriatric population.

How often are adults sexually abused in our society?

Many, maybe most, rapes go unreported to authorities. However, more than 100,000 rapes (which is about 300 episodes every day) are reported in the United States every year.

How is sexual abuse of adults treated?

Treatment for the rape victim focuses on helping that person heal from the psychological and physical trauma caused by the event. It is important to give immediate support to the rape victim. Individual, group, family, and/or couples therapy are recommended. The victim should be encouraged to talk about her feelings about the trauma. It is often very helpful and healing for a victim to know that the rapist has been arrested and convicted of the rape.

What can people do if they need help?

If you, a friend, or a family member would like more information and you have a therapist or a physician, please discuss your concerns with that person.

March 11, 2009

Support & Resources

the entire directory only in Sexual_Abuse/Survivors

Top: Society: Support Groups: Sexual Abuse: Survivors (96)
Description

See also:


  • Aching Heart – A resource for women survivors of sexual abuse and incest.
  • Adam’s Dimension – A survivor’s story of sexual, physical and emotional abuse. Includes links to a male and female abuse survivors’ forum and other resources.
  • Admit To Child Abuse – A forum to tell other people how the author felt about being abused.
  • Adult Survivors of Child Abuse – Provides information, materials and on-line e-meeting for Individual and group support program for adult survivors of physical, sexual or emotional child abuse or neglect.
  • After Silence – A non-profit organization, message board and chat room for rape, sexual abuse, and sexual assault survivors.
  • After Silence: Rape and My Journey Back – Exploring attitudes toward rape and its survivors, and the process of recovery from trauma.
  • Angelic’s Abuse Survivors – For survivors of all types of abuse. Includes forums, poetry, and resources.
  • Angels In The Night – Support site for children of sexual abuse. Offering schudeled and moderated chats, tips and other resources.
  • Art of Healing – Established artist, Linda Ness, shares her many paintings about her journey of recovery.
  • Askios – Self-help group for women survivors of incest providing online information and support via website, message board and email.
  • Becoming Gold – Virtual support network for survivors of childhood sexual abuse, that encourages balance to the healing process through creativity, education and support.
  • The BirdSong Organization – A NYC based non-profit self-help group for female incest survivors offering a variety of support services including regular weekly meetings.
  • The Black Sheep Chronicles – Adult incest survivor’s experiences with the aftermath of incest and how and why it affected her relationships with her entire family.
  • Broken Wings Shattered Dreams – This site was built by a survivor of child abuse to show that life can go on. To bring awareness of what the mother of an abused child feels. Also to remember the children who died from the abuse they suffered.
  • Butterfly Gardens – A site dedicated to victims/survivors of sexual abuse and incest.
  • Chasing The Wind – Poetry on sexual and physical abuse by a proud survivor.
  • Child Abuse Survivors Support – A peer support forum for survivors of child abuse.
  • Colchester Rape Crisis Line – Provides counseling and support for rape victims, families and survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
  • Confronting Collusion in Churches – This site offers a source of support for survivors, church leaders and survivor advocates struggling with clergy sexual abuse, domestic violence and incest.
  • Dancing In The Darkness – Help and support for survivors of rape and sexual abuse. A safe place to share stories, hope and courage.
  • Echoes – Created for survivors of rape and sexual abuse. Includes a personal story, articles, poems, and links.
  • EeyoreGirl’s Page – A Christian’s experience with childhood sexual abuse, her healing and her faith.
  • Encouragement for Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors – A site for those who have been sexually abused.
  • Fort Refuge – Supporting community for survivers of all types of abuse including Child abuse, incest, rape, ritual abuse, psychological and verbal abuse.
  • From Surviving to Thriving – Support for rape and sexual assault survivors from a survivor. Includes forum, chat, and survivor stories.
  • Gary: A Personal Essay – Memorial for a child abuse victim who didn’t survive.
  • Generation Five – A movement to end child sexual abuse in five generations through survivor leadership, community organization and public action.
  • HEAL (Helping Everyone Abused Live) – Offers support and self help for adult survivors of childhood abuse.
  • Healing Broken Angels – Information and help for survivors of sexual assault and rape.
  • Healing from Abuse – This site seeks to address the unique issues of the emotionally, physically, and sexually abused. Chatroom, helpful links, book recommendations, support groups, and Healing Steps,and more are included in the healing journey.
  • Healing Minds – A site dedicated to survivors of abuse and sexual assault.
  • Healing Together – A supportive environment which is safe and secure for survivors of sexual abuse of both female and male. Gain understanding and support from other survivors.
  • Healing Wounds – Healing Wounds is a safe haven dedicated to survivors, a forum to talk about their trauma’s and to heal.
  • The Hope of Survivors – Provides support, hope and encouragement for vicitms of clergy sexual abuse and misconduct.
  • I Am A Survivor Not A Victim – A survivor shares her story of sexual abuse.
  • Inscriptions of Hope – Newsletter of writings from survivors of childhood abuse.
  • Isurvive.org – A non-profit online community center for abuse survivors providing anonymous discussions boards, chat rooms and other resources.
  • It Happened to Alexa Foundation – A resource for victims of sexual assault to receive money to ease the burden of attending a criminal trial.
  • Jane Rowan – Jane shares her experience of healing from childhood sexual abuse.
  • Jenny’s Child Abuse Survivor Support – Jenny shares her story and poetry and offers support to fellow survivors.
  • The Journey Home – Victim of childhood sexual abuse until the age of fifteen, Pat Swinger tells the story of her healing journey.
  • Journey To Freedom – Hope and healing for victims and survivors of child sexual abuse and sexual assualt.
  • Journey to Healing – Offers help and healing for sexual abuse, incest and rape victoms.
  • Kingdom Abuse Survivors Project – A resource for survivors of childhood sexual abuse in the form of forums, chat rooms, help and advice.
  • The Lamplighters – A movement for victims of incest and child sexual abuse. Offers a recovery program for children and adults.
  • Lorretta Woodbury Online – Lorretta is a survivor’s rights activist who offers support to other survivors.
  • Midnight Secrets – Provides information and support for sexual abuse and incest survivors.
  • The Mighty Phoenix – Offers survivors of sexual abuse information to help the healing process.
  • Miss Kitty’s Place – Site offers useful information for victims, abusers and survivors.
  • Mollykat’s Resources For Survivors – Information about depression, PTSD, dissociative identity disorder and borderline personality disorders.
  • My Painful Smiles – A site to help the healing of childhood sexual abuse. A place for families to learn what the victims are going through.
  • My Twisted Sukha – This site deals with the affects of sexual abuse by a female perpetrator.
  • National Association for People Abused in Childhood ( NAPAC) – NAPAC is a registered charity, which has been set up as a result of a key recommendation by the National Commission of Inquiry into the Prevention of Child Abuse.
  • Netter’s Place – Abuse Survivor Links – Offers links to different sites for abuse survivors seeking support and self help.
  • Optimystic – This site is about living with optimism and faith to overcome childhood abuse.
  • Pagan Survivors of Sexual Assault – A Yahoo! group for membership to pagans, witches, and wiccan wanderers who are survivors of sexual assault or are friends and family members of pagan survivors of sexual assault.
  • Pandora’s Aquarium – Provides a message board and chat room for survivors and their supporters.
  • Peaceful Haven – A personal experience of emotional, mental and sexual abuse.
  • Pressing On… – A site dedicated to the survivors of sexual abuse and incest. Provides practical info about sexual abuse, self-injury, eating disorders, quotes and fun links to nurture the child within.
  • Project Hugs – A site where people who have suffered childhood abuse can write their story for a book due to be published.
  • Prysmstar – Survivor’s story, message board, poetry and links to other resources.
  • Rainbow Hope – A website dedicated to providing support and information for lesbians survivors of abuse.
  • Recovery – Short, original essays about all aspects of recovery from childhood abuse.
  • Recovery – A woman’s continuing fight to overcome the trauma of sexual abuse.
  • Safe Haven – A site for survivors of sexual abuse and rape. Includes personal stories, poetry, tips, advice on coping day-to-day and an interactive message forum.
  • Safeline – This UK site provides information and help for adults who were sexually abused as children.
  • Sexual Abuse Centre – Provides support, counselling and information to survivors of sexual abuse and rape through a variety of services.
  • Sexual Abuse Support – A safe and friendly environment to receive loving support from other survivors of abuse.
  • Share Your Survival Story – A web site where people can share their own personal stories of survival. Includes helpful links and other resources.
  • S.H.E. Survivors Helping Each Other – Self help based charity for women survivors of childhood sexual abuse encourages a creative approach to healing and to promote public education and awareness.
  • The Silver Braid Survivors of Sexual Exploitation – Providing helpful information to those who have been victims of sexual exploitation.
  • Stop The Silence – A page dedicated to helping fellow survivors of sexual abuse. Includes support forums, useful links and personal experiences.
  • Survive – Survive is a registered voluntary organization that provides support and help to survivors of child sexual abuse.
  • Survivor Matters – Information and support forum for any survivors of any type of abuse. Created by survivors for survivors.
  • Survivors – Stories, writings, links and resources for survivors of sexual assault.
  • Survivors Can Thrive – Meditations, resources and tips for sexual abuse survivors.
  • Survivors Chat – A support site, chat rooms, and resources for survivors of rape, incest, sexual abuse, or SRA.
  • The Survivors Forum – This site offers chat rooms, forums and other resources for survivors of sexual abuse.
  • Survivors Healing – Information to help survivors of sexual abuse in healing and the opportunity to share stories, experiences, triumphs and challenges.
  • Survivors Of Abuse in Religion (SOAR) – An online support group for survivors of sexual abuse in any religion.
  • Survivors of Green – Dedicated to the survivors of Dr Green, guilty of multiple counts of indecent assault against male patients in Loughborough, Leicestershire.
  • Survivor’s Personal Healing Journey – A survivor and publisher shares her stories of surviving sexual abuse.
  • Survivors Safe House – A safe and secure site for survivors and victims of sexual abuse regardless of age or gender.
  • Survivors Sanctuary – A safe place of support and resources for survivors of abuse, sexual, mental or physical. Everyone is welcome regardless of gender.
  • Survivors UK – Provides information, support and counselling for men who have been raped or sexually abused.
  • Swampy’s Passions – A story of one woman’s survival of sexual abuse.
  • Taking Back Control – A resource and message board for sexual assault survivors.
  • Tamar’s House – Provides programs to aid in alleviating the long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse and assist survivors in healing from this devastating experience.
  • Tamar’s Voice – This non-profit organization offers help and support for victims of sexual abuse by clergy.
  • True Perspective of Sexual Trauma – Information on blame, therapy, dissociation, and anger. Includes resources, predator types and behavior patterns.
  • What you call Home. We call Hell. – Site on healing from incest, childhood sexual assault and rape. The affects and impact it has on a survivor’s life.
  • Whitedoves Nest – A site dedicated to sexual abuse survivors and their supporters. Share your story, poetry, art, and tips on recovery.
  • You Are Not Alone – A survivor shares her story and offers resources for recovery.

  • Survivors“ search on:
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March 9, 2009

Supporting Survivors of Abuse

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Supporting Survivors of Abuse – How you can help

Most victims of sexual violence choose to tell someone close to them, who they feel safe enough to disclose about abuse which they have experienced, they believe that you are trust-worthy, will believe them and will not tell others without speaking to them about it first. As a ’safe’ person to tell, you are a woman’s most important source of support.

Whether you are helping someone cope with the immediate trauma of a recent experience or someone coming to terms with sexual abuse suffered as a child, you are very important to them. It is important, therefore, that you see yourself as important here and take care of yourself and your own needs. The victim is not going to get over the trauma quickly, so you need to pace yourself in terms of how much time and energy you can realistically offer the woman whom you are supporting. Consistency over a long period is more important than sitting up all night for a week and setting up expectations that you will always be able to ‘be there’ for her.

Similarly, remember that she is not ‘rejecting’ you if she chooses to seek help elsewhere, such as from a counsellor. When someone is in shock, grieving or traumatised, they will not look after themselves very well; they can be overwhelmed with painful emotions and negative thoughts. You need to be able to feel calm and be ‘real’. Hot drinks, food, vitamins, treats and a hand to hold may be all the person needs from you. Victims have had their minds and bodies invaded; they may have difficulties in sleeping, eating, and bathing, relaxing and not least with sexual or intimate contact. It may take time for these activities to become normalised as every day life; any support you can offer in this process can add a lot to their sense of security and self-respect.

Many people are afraid of saying or doing ‘the wrong thing’, or of ‘damaging’ someone further because they ‘do not know enough’ about sexual violence. It is important to remember that you do not have to be an expert, you are not dealing with a ’strange disease’. If you are prepared to listen, the woman concerned will be able to guide you in what she needs.

You may feel traumatised, confused, overwhelmed, or a range of feelings about what has happened, you may feel: angry, helpless, guilty, scared, upset, nervous. These feelings are natural, it is important that you deal with these away from the victim, try not to dump them on her. Talk to a friend or someone whom you can trust, with permission from the victim of course, arrange to get support from agencies near you.

Victims are often afraid of how other people will react to what has happened to them, they may fear not being believed, embarrassment, having their experiences minimised or trivialised, even fear rejection. Women often fear well-meaning, but ignorant questions such as: “Why didn’t you tell me before now?” “Why didn’t you scream?” “Why didn’t you tell someone?” “Why don’t you report it to the police?” “Why did you (encourage him / wear that skirt / walk that route / etc.)?” If you do not understand why a victim is behaving in a particular way, or is reacting the way she is now, remember that this is YOUR problem, NOT HERS. Do not badger her with questions or ask her questions, which you are not sure, whether she will want to answer; read a book instead.

The woman may have her own questions about what has happened to her and may want to explore these with you. It is very important that she makes up her own mind and finds her own truth about what has happened to her and makes her own decisions from it. Sexual abuse and violence leaves women with feelings of powerlessness and loss of control about their lives. It is important that people do not take over, without consulting with the woman about what she needs in the situation. Confronting the perpetrator, phoning the police, or making a medical appointment ‘on her behalf’ may make matters worse, you can best help by listening to her and asking her or checking out what she wants; do not tell her what YOU believe she OUGHT to do; explore her options with her.

No two people are the same and reactions to rape and sexual abuse are as varied as they are to bereavement. It is likely, however, that whatever her experience, at some point she feared for her life and that she will feel numb after the attack, ‘cut off’, in shock or even hysterical; she may appear perfectly calm and unaffected; she may fear that she is ‘going mad’; these are all normal ways for a woman to process what has happened to her. Other effects may be flashbacks or panic attacks. Her behaviour may change: her eating habits may alter, she may feel the need to wash repeatedly. She may vomit or have other physical symptoms. All of these problems are alleviated by being able to talk about them; repetition of the trauma is common – TRY TO BE PATIENT.

Victims whose story has not been believed by others may find it very difficult to trust anyone else and may resist talking about their experiences. Do not take this as your not being ‘good enough’ to trust, be patient and encourage her GENTLY, do not push her. If you feel the need to press her, ask yourself why YOU ‘need to know’ now. Her apparently frozen state will not last forever.

As time passes, a woman may go through emotional and psychological change. She may be adding to her trauma by blaming herself and tormenting herself with ‘what ifs’ or about her behaviour before, during and/or after what has happened. Remind her at these times that it is never a woman’s fault that she has been violated, it was the attackers decision to act in the way he did. Rape is never ‘asked for’ and it can be hard for a woman to face just how powerless she was in the abusive situation. Thinking that she could have done something different is a way of a woman ‘problem solving’ so that they can protect themselves in the future. These are complex issues, which can sometimes require specialist support. Rape Crisis Centre can help.

What many of Christopher Hansard’s victims are dealing with now, is knowing that they have done everything right about the wrong that has been done to them, and in some cases they were blamed for the abuse that occurred.

Initially many of Christopher Hansard’s victims were patients, or their families were patients. The Courant has knowledge of at least 3 young ladies whose families were somehow involved with Mr. Hansard and they were therefore pressed to join his ‘apprenticeship’ in one form or another.

As stated in earlier postings, in this capacity, the victims were instructed to perform “Tibetan Massages” on their “teacher”, Mr. Hansard.

The massages were almost always administered while Mr. Hansard was fully naked, exposing himself to his students. Sometimes during the massage or at the end, Mr. Hansard would rise from the treatment couch naked and attempt to embrace the student “only to thank [them] for the massage”. Other times Christopher Hansard would suggest the student “straddle” him on the treatment couch.

Such breaches were always offered as “teachings” or “treatments”.

One woman was offered that such intimacy would help her to feel loved and beautiful again as she had been told she was ugly all her life, and that it would help her to overcome her “fear” of men. Another was told it would help her with the Astrology lessons she was being taught, while one other woman who resisted his advances was ridiculed, and told she was overly sensitive, that it was just meant as nothing more than a gesture of gratitude.

None of the three women found the support they needed from their own families. Some found it too difficult to share, and remain silently in shame to this day, while another who did attempt to turn to her family for help, was disbelieved entirely by some and blamed by others.


General information about abuse

What are the effects of abuse on women and children?

The following information is taken from the publication “Wife Assault Hurts Us All” and it relates to the effects of abuse on women and children.

It is a fact that abuse by a partner or doctor affects women in many ways. There are many areas of your self that are affected by abuse.

WOMEN
Self-Esteem

Our self-esteem or self-concept is a measure of how we feel about ourselves. Low self-esteem creates feelings of self-doubt and worthlessness, taking away the self-confidence needed to make decisions and to solve problems. When our own feelings and judgment cannot be trusted, solving even small problems becomes difficult. In many cases low self-esteem and poor self-concept may lead to depression. Depression is a medical condition that often requires medication or therapy to be effectively treated. Low self-esteem can also result in a disregard for personal appearance and health.
Feelings of Helplessness

In abusive relationships, the abusive man maintains control of his partner’s actions by physically, sexually, and psychologically abusing her. If the assaulted woman tries to regain some control, the abuser may become more controlling. Her repeated unsuccessful attempts at stopping his violence reinforce her feelings of helplessness. As a result the assaulted woman may give up trying to break the cycle of violence.
Self Blame and Guilt

Many women are used to looking after the emotional needs of their families. When the emotional well-being of the family is suffering, as it does when abuse is present, the woman tends to blame herself and tends to believe she fails in her role to look after her family. Some women have hidden the abuse for years because of the guilt and shame they feel. The partner usually encourages this thinking by blaming her for the abuse. This results in the woman falsely believing she has failed as emotional caretaker and that she causes and deserves the abuse.
Denying and Minimizing

Denying and minimizing abuse are two ways of coping with his violence, although they are ineffective. They increase the danger already present by encouraging the victim to disregard signals which can warn her of further assaults.

Abused women frequently deny being victims of wife assault and that a pattern of abused has been established. A false sense of responsibility for the violence and embarrassment prevent her from telling others about it. Other excuses can be made to explain away the violence and to renew hope for the relationship. Minimizing abuse downplays its seriousness. Often women avoid accepting the reality that they are being abused by comparing themselves to others who have endured more extreme acts of physical and psychological abuse. Their own situations then seem much less serious and much less dangerous.

March 7, 2009

Nobody “wants” to be a victim!

One of the obstacles that the victims of Christopher Hansard have faced is that he is not part of any regulatory body. Finding out who those who continue to support and ‘protect’ him are regulated with is equally frustrating.

Self-regulating “Professional” bodies that have been set up to deter such offenses or breaches of boundaries and prevent those abuses that Christopher Hansard has been accused of do not make themselves readily available and are numerous in number. What the public may also not be aware of is complementary practitioners can sign up with more than one governing board or regulating body. Therefore if they are expelled or barred from one, they are often still registered or members of another. This poses yet more problems for victims trying to seek justice.

Finding the appropriate regulatory bodies is difficult enough, and then submitting complaints to them has not always been well received as they find themselves having to defend “one of their own”.

The insurance companies want proof, and the victims are questioned once again and called upon to re-live their experiences and in many cases defend their own actions or reactions. Abuses that for some were disguised as “love” though they never left Christopher Hansard’s treatment room and couch. Christopher Hansard told victims that he was in love with them in order to continue to abuse them, and feed his now obvious sexual addiction.

Up until February of 2008, those clients that Christopher Hansard was grooming and engaging with sexually never left his office. For the first time he was able to take his patient relationship ‘public’. The reason the others were not taken public was because he was married and had to keep up that facade as it seemed to help maintain his image and assure victims that they were the “only ones”. He also worked with other practitioners and ‘peers’, and maintained sometimes up to 7 sexual ‘relationships’ at any one time. Each ‘treatment’ or ‘teaching’ relationship had to be kept compartmentalised from the others in order to maintain them all.

It is time to talk about this, and bring it out in the public forum so that more people can understand how this happens, and how this has been allowed to happen for so long.

the Courant welcomes letters and commentary. Please send letters to theCourant@mail.com

*Please be aware that portions of your submissions may be posted anonymously unless otherwise stated.

March 4, 2009

Healthy Boundaries

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Although some complementary approaches are available through the NHS, they’re not universally accepted by the medical establishment. This is because they haven’t been subject to the strict medical trials by which scientists prove some treatments work.

Many doctors recognise these approaches can benefit patients, but they’re unlikely to be enthusiastic about you abandoning conventional treatment entirely in favour of complementary approaches.

Checklist

Do:

  • Tell your doctor, physiotherapist or occupational therapist that you’re considering seeing a complementary practitioner
  • Find a reliable practitioner – it’s worth checking whether there’s an organisation that sets standards
  • Try to find someone who has worked with people with arthritis
  • Check the cost – most therapies aren’t available on the NHS
  • Check the number of sessions needed before benefits are felt
  • Choose someone you feel comfortable with

Don’t be:

  • Afraid to ask for credentials
  • Led to believe there are miracle cures
  • Taken in by people who say you should follow their method and abandon other treatments

Types of treatment

Acupuncture – works on the theory that inserting needles along energy lines of the body can stimulate energy flow and reduce pain

Aromatherapy – the use of essential oils from flowers, plants and trees, sometimes combined with massage

Chiropractic – manipulation to improve mobility and relieve pain by adjusting the joints of the spine and limbs where there are signs of restricted movement (not usually recommended for those with osteoporosis or inflamed joints)

Herbalism – use of plants and herbal remedies to treat illness

Osteopathy – manipulation to restore normal action to the body and reduce pain (not usually recommended for those with osteoporosis or inflamed joints)

Reflexology – massage using pressure to the feet to improve the health of various parts of the body

Yoga – a combination of relaxation, breathing techniques and exercise to combat stress and help circulation and movement of the joints

Finding a practitioner

If you’re looking for a complementary practitioner, you’ll find plenty in your local Yellow Pages or Thomson’s Directory, but this will give no indication of how good they are. Your doctor or health centre may be able to recommend someone.

Many complementary therapies have no strict system of qualification. The Institute for Complementary Medicine has a register of practitioners who have provided evidence of their compentence to practise.

*Christopher Hansard is not on this list, nor would he qualify for any. Upon gaining credentials through courses with Henry Whitfield, he would normally be expected to abide by a set of Policies and a Code of Ethics that he has NEVER adhered to.

This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Rob Hicks in July 2008.

Christopher Hansard has no formal qualifications, nor can he prove his story that he was taught acupuncture, and Tibetan Medicine from a Tibetan Master named Urgyen Nam Chuk from the age of 4 to 27 in New Zealand. He has been accused of sexual coercion and misconduct as a complementary and alternative practitioner (and therefore unregulated) since opening up his ‘practice’ in London England in 1992.

He has traveled to North America as well as through out Scandinavia presenting himself as a “Physician of Tibetan Dur Bon Medicine” to workshops participants, book clubs and publishers alike though the story of his skill, belief systems, and lifestyle could not be any further from the truth of how he has chosen to live his life, physically abusing those close to him, and sexually abusing those in his ‘care’.

There have been recent rumours of another possible publication from the Dur Bon Con in the hopes of building his fame, and therefore his clientele back up again. A vulnerable and trusting clientele base whose only purpose has ever been to provide support for his delusions of grandeur, and sexual addictions.

February 27, 2009

What CAM practitioners need to know

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Respecting professional boundaries: What CAM practitoners need to know


Purchase the full-text article

Julie Stonea, E-mail The Corresponding Author

aUniversity of Lincoln, UK

Available online 9 November 2007.

Summary

Professional boundaries are central to professionalism. Failure to maintain sexual and emotional boundaries can cause patients significant and enduring harm. Although prevalence data is poor, evidence from complaints shows that boundary abuses do occur in the CAM sector. Concerns are heightened by contextual, regulatory and therapeutic aspects of CAM relationships. This article argues that learning about sexual boundaries should be a specific element of CAM training and makes recommendations as to how to implement this key element of patient safety.

Keywords: Professional boundaries; Regulation; ‘Touchy-feely’ practitioners

Article Outline

Introduction
What do we mean by ‘boundaries’?
Why boundaries must not be breached
Prevalence of boundary abuses by CAM practitioners
Attraction towards patients and attraction from patients
Generic warning signs
Factors specific to CAM relationships
Contextual factors
Regulatory factors
Factors associated with CAM therapeutic relationships
Teaching and learning about boundaries
What do CAM students and professionals need to know?
The way ahead
Declaration of interests
References

Copyright © 2007 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved.

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