What Others Are Saying
"Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA) wounds the soul of a developing child."  --Lori Hearn, M.S., Ebenezer Counseling, Knoxville, TN

"Of all the things we try to control for our children, this has to be the most important."  --Bill Carrejo, B&B C Consulting, Fundraising Partner,
Knoxville, TN (Click on "Our Team" for more information)

"When I first received your e-newsletter, I was numb for a few weeks because the feelings, memories, and actual acts of the child abuse
that I suffered were all of a sudden surfacing in ways that had been ignored or camouflaged.  For the first time in over 20 years, I was able to
finally release, cry, be angry, feel worthless, then find strength, love, and peace in the person God created me to be…me.  Since finding that
strength, love, and peace I was able to forgive and move forward.  It allowed my dreams to become alive: to see the weak strong: mentally,
spiritually, physically, emotionally, etc.  It’s services like SpeakingOut that will act as a catalyst for others to follow."  
-- Anonymous
(Knoxville, TN) June 2011

"This program was one of the best programs that we ever had on Re-Entry Radio.  This was an extremely serious and important subject in
these times and Susan Suafoa-Dinino and her terrific guests covered every possible area, from being informative on the counseling aspects
of child abuse to showing the victim's viewpoint.  Ms. Suafoa-Dinino is obviously a compassionate expert on CHILD ABUSE and should be
recognized accordingly.  I look forward to having her as a special guest on the program again as she has much to offer everyone, regardless
of their motivation, on speaking out against child sexual abuse.”
 --Michael Wynne, Host, 6/1/11 Radio Re-Entry Radio Program, KAYT-FM,
88.1, Alexandria, LA (Topic of Discussion: The Crime of Child Sexual Abuse from the Child Victim's Perspective)

“I was raped at age five and therefore, know firsthand the devastating effects of child sexual abuse.  Although I have gone from sexual
abuse survivor to Thriver, I don’t want anyone to go through what I did.  If I can help prevent this from happening to one person, then all my
suffering will have been worth it.  I admire Susan greatly for starting SpeakingOut.  I am impressed with her professionalism and dedication.”
--Helen Wix, Divine Splendor Coaching, Owner, Oak Ridge, TN

"Today was a very nice "Christmas present" of sorts!  Susan Suafoa-Dinino, the National Director of "SpeakingOut against Child Sexual
Abuse, Inc." came all the way down from "cold" Oak Ridge Tennessee just to be on our own DOC "Re-Entry Radio" program.  Her special
visit here was even featured in a brief Alexandria Town Talk article, as well as in that organization's journal.  Susan gave a TERRIFIC talk on
the program today.  I thought that I pretty much knew a lot about child sexual abuse, but she covered several issues that were new and
useful to me to know.  She had so much more to say on child sexual abuse, that she plans to return and we will schedule her to be on "Re-
Entry Radio" again.  Susan, it was a great honor and pleasure to meet you.  I know of no one more knowledgeable or energized to talk on this
critically important subject as you.
 --Michael Wynne, Probation & Parole Supervisor and Co-Host, 12/22/10 Re-Entry Radio Program, KAYT-
FM, 88.1, Alexandria, LA (Topic of Discussion: Overview on the Crime of Child Sexual Abuse)

"I think sometimes child sexual abuse is the 'elephant in the room'.  We all know it's there, but everyone avoids talking about it.  Everyone
but Susan Suafoa-Dinino, founder of SpeakingOut against Child Sexual Abuse, Inc.  Her personal drive and determination for this crusade is
nothing like I have ever seen before.  She totally throws herself into this cause, trying to bring child sexual abuse out from the darkness and
into the light.  No child should ever have to deal with the 'elephant in the room' (child sexual abuse), and with the help of Susan and
SpeakingOut, I hope and pray that they never will."
 --Kathy Ely, Knoxville, TN

"In October 2010, Susan came to speak at our annual Nursing In-service for about 100 RN's.  The topic on childhood sexual abuse had been
requested several times and our committee was very impressed with SpeakingOut's website.  Susan's presentation received many positive
comments including; "really enjoyed, one of the best in-services, would definitely recommend this speaker to others, well prepared and very
knowledgeable".  The content was delivered in a manner that not only provided detailed statistics and education, but also compassion and
awareness that this topic needs.  Anyone working in the medical field should attend.  It has given us the ability to not be afraid to ask
questions and properly refer anyone that has been affected by this horrible crime. The brochures and posters available on the website are
great resources that we plan to have available in our clinics."
 --Michele Weatherbie, East Tennessee Regional Health Dept., Chair of
Nursing In-Service Committee (10/15/10 Nursing In-Service, Knoxville, TN)

On September 25, I attended the SpeakingOut Against Child Sexual Abuse Workshop and gained more insight on child sexual abuse.  When
we look at the whole picture of human trafficking, it is necessary to consider all the factors that contribute to this growing industry so that
we can build more efforts to prevent its growth.  Attending this workshop opened my eyes to more facts about how child sexual abuse
affects the human trafficking industry.  Susan Suafoa-Dinino taught the workshop and shared a wealth of statistics and details about child
sexual abuse.  I knew sexual abuse is prevalent in our culture but the more she shared about these crimes, the more determined I became
to understand how much it affects the human trafficking industry.
 --Christi Wigle, Community Coalition Against Human Trafficking,
President (9/25/10 Workshop
, Oak Ridge, TN) - Be sure to click on Resources for more information on CCAHT

“Childhood Sexual Abuse is a horrible crime that many of the homeless men and women who come to KARM try to cover up with drugs,
alcohol and every other kind of mind numbing addiction.  In the general public, 1 out of every 5 boys and 1 out of every 3 girls will be sexually
abused by their 18th birthday (Mothers Against Sexual Abuse statistics).  They suffer greatly from the confusion,  shame and pain caused by
the betrayal of trust and authority that adults have with children, especially relationships of family and friends (95% of children know the
perpetrator).  Susan’s passion, personal experience, and extensive knowledge will raise your awareness and help prevent and heal this
frequently “secret suffering”.  I highly recommend “A Safe Place” Workshop for every parent, grandparent, pastor, teacher and everyone
else who is in a position to protect children from the devastation of Childhood Sexual Abuse.
 We praise God for our partnership with
SpeakingOut against Child Sexual Abuse, Inc. in making our Knoxville community a safe place for all our citizens, especially our children.”
--Bruce Anderson, Previous Director of Church Relations, Knox Area Rescue Ministries (KARM), Knoxville, TN, www.karm.org

"Susan raises our awareness by presenting a balanced overview of the difficult topic of sexual abuse.  She balances reality statistics with
personal stories; seriousness with life-giving energy.  I recommend this workshop for parents and community leaders."
 --Dale Berry, PhD,
Ebenezer Counseling Services, Knoxville, TN (4/14/10 Workshop)  

"I have two wonderful children that I hold near and dear to my heart.  They are the first and last things I think about each day.  I would do
anything for them to stay safe.  I only wish every child had this luxury.  Even if I only help one child to never have someone abuse him or her;
then I have accomplished something greater than any degree or job could offer."
 --Courtney Cagle, Ten Mile, TN

"Hello, my name is Stacey Deerwester and I am a student at the University of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky.  I am studying Sociology and
in my junior year.  I had a Community Organization assignment in my Human Sexuality class with Dr. Suzanne Hopf.  We had to get to know
an organization dealing with sexuality, interview a representative (I was lucky and got to speak to Susan herself!), and write a paper about
what I learned and what SpeakingOut was all about.  In April, I will be presenting this to my class and teach them about SpeakingOut.  
Another way to spread awareness.  I found SpeakingOut on the internet.  After looking at many organizations, I was kind of getting frustrated
because I didn't really feel the passion about their causes.  I came across SpeakingOut and it really just spoke to me...the passion just
poured off of the pages.  A lot of organizations seemed to just want donations and really didn't say much about their cause...quite opposite
from SpeakingOut.  SpeakingOut showed so much more.  It teaches people a lot about what child sexual abuse really is and what we as
adults need to do to prevent this from ever happening to our kids and any kid.  I know I will continue to spread awareness after getting to
know SpeakingOut!"
--Stacey Deerwester, Student, University of Louisville, KY, (3/2010 Community Organization Assignment)
Click Here to Access Stacey's Paper for the Assigment

“I believe in what Susan is tackling - battling for the souls of our families by protecting children from their oppressors.  Somebody has to
stand for justice with dignity and focus."
 -- Terry Head, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant, Baton Rouge, LA

"I am a parent of an abused child.  I used to feel that other people really didn't understand how I felt or what my family had been through.  
That was until I met Susan Suafoa-Dinino.  Susan is the most understanding, thoughtful person I have met.  Her ministry, SpeakingOut, is
truly a God send and blessing to the children who have been sexually abused, but also to their families who are struggling to cope with this
horrific crime.  I pray that Susan will keep on keeping on and I pray that you will help her by doing what you can to support her ministry.  Its
time we stop pretending that child sexual abuse does not exist and come out of our closets and shine the light on these crimes against
children.  Together, we can hopefully put a stop to child sexual abuse and start helping families that have been broken begin to heal.  It takes
all of us.  I have heard this phrase and believe it to be true, " Without Him I can't, but without me He won't."  God wants all of us to reach out
and help.  God Bless, "
--Laura West, Sevierville, TN, (Christian Speaker & Author of "Blind, Burned and Living Against All Odds") www.
mymaleka.com

“Thank you to Ms. Susan Suafoa-Dinino for “speaking out” to our mentors about the prevalence of child sexual abuse.  We were enlightened
by her personal story and the facts she presented.  Her perspective versus law enforcement experts in the child welfare system made the
problem real.  I recommend her organization to anyone willing to learn about this horrendous crime.”   
--Charlane Oliver, MPA, AMACHI
Knoxville Director/Knoxville Leadership Foundation, Knoxville, TN (4/28/09 Workshop)

"Susan, thank you so much for speaking out and standing up for our children.  Your workshop was very informative and it truly touched my
heart.  I thought I knew a lot on the subject of child abuse, but you gave tons of information I did not know.  What really touched my heart was
the compassion I felt from your presentation that allowed brave survivors of child abuse to speak up and share their stories.  Being an
overcomer of child abuse, I know how hard it is for some to speak out and share, but I'm glad that you set the atmosphere for us to do so.  I
was molested at the age of 5 by a neighbor and then again by my sister's ex-husband.  I did not even know what molestation was until I
watched an Oprah show many years ago.  You inform, motivate and inspire others to take a stand and speak out on this issue and I'm so
glad that I was a part of the workshop.  Thanks again!"   
--Monica Ware, Knoxville, TN (3/26/09 Workshop)

"I have been a pastor for 32 years and I had an idea of sexual abuse in our society.  However, Susan's ministry has opened my eyes more.  I
highly recommend her seminar on "SpeakingOut." Susan's presentation of this seminar is highly professional and engaging. You will find
the seminar informative, insightful, and inspiring, and it will be a valuable aid in your work with sexual abuse."  
 --Rev. Dr. Lee Wallace,
Senior Pastor, First Church of God, Knoxville, TN (3/26/09 Workshop)

"I recently attended a workshop promoted by Susan Suafoa-Dinino, president and founder, of SpeakingOut - CSA ministries.  This ministry is
dedicated to the unveiling of the dark and evil activity of child sexual abuse.  Society has for too long ignored the immediate need of
protecting the most vulnerable among us.  Thank God for what He is doing through Susan and her staff to make people more aware of the
staggering statistics and warning signs of abused children.  1 Corinthians 4:5 says that when Jesus returns, He will bring to light the things
now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart.  Then each one will receive his commendation from God.  Do not turn a
deaf ear nor a blind eye to the cries and tears of the helpless victims of this horrific injustice.  I completely endorse the work of SpeakingOut
- CSA.
 May God distribute to you His commendation for your active involvement in raising awareness of this evil, not His condemnation for
your failure to care.  Sincerely,"
 --Dr. Don Jones, Executive Director, Resolve Ministries Biblical Counseling Center, Knoxville, TN (2/28/09
Workshop)

"Child sexual abuse is a terrible thing in today's society, but I was not aware of the frequency of such atrocities.  Ms. Suafoa-Dinino's
"SpeakingOut" forum enlightened me on this issue and what we, as parents and grandparents, must be doing to prevent future
occurrences."
 --Charlie Wade, Knoxville, TN (2/22/09 TVUUC Social Issues Forum)

"Susan has assembled a caring, passionate & committed team.  I would suggest that any parent, teacher or caregiver attend the
workshop."
  --Donald, Knoxville, TN (1/25/09 Workshop)

"I was really amazed to hear of the prevalence of Child Sexual Abuse - and across the spectrum of all socio-economic levels as well."   --
Clara Segars, Knoxville, TN (1/25/09 Workshop)

"This workshop was immensely helpful!  Susan is an impassioned and gifted speaker.  This issue is just too important not to speak out
about.  I would wholeheartedly recommend that you schedule her for this seminar.  If one child in your area of influence will be spared this
grief because of this workshop, then it will be more than worth it!"  
 --Richard M. Elseroad, Senior Pastor, Grace Lutheran Church, Knoxville,
TN (11/6/08 Workshop)

"As a father and a child advocacy volunteer, I feel the need as well as the responsibility, to learn everything available to me to protect and
educate our children.  Susan's class was well researched and passionately presented.  I would encourage anyone who is given the
opportunity to attend this class to do so as you may learn something that will save or prevent a child from suffering this abuse.  Also,
consider volunteering some of your time to help her in her mission to help all children."
  --Keith Black, Father, CASA Volunteer, Knoxville,
TN (8/24/08 Workshop)

"The statistics presented at the workshop on child sexual abuse were startling.  The workshop is concise and well done and provides a
voice on a subject that needs both attention and dialogue."
  --David Allen, Knoxville, TN (6/22/08 Workshop)

“As a Preschool Director, it is crucial for me to provide pertinent and valuable training for my staff.  Susan’s workshop definitely met all of
my expectations.  Her passion and enthusiasm kept the attention of teachers who had already worked an 8 hour day with preschoolers…
that is not an easy task!  
 --Janet Kite, Executive Director, Children’s Center of Knoxville, Inc., Knoxville, TN (6/2/08 Workshop)

"This workshop was excellent!  We learned the signs to look for regarding the changes in a child’s behavior.  The information was extremely
valuable to a childcare worker such as myself.  Working with very young children requires the knowledge of such a devastating occurrence
in a child’s life.  I commend Susan for her dedication and passion and on informing the public about this problem.”
  --Melinda Cloninger,
Teacher, Children’s Center of Knoxville, Inc., Knoxville, TN (6/2/08 Workshop)

"The workshop that Susan presented to us was very helpful to me as a professional, working in childcare, and also spoke to me personally.  
Susan gave me a lot of support by telling her own story and the story of others.  She helped me to see how prevalent the problem is (more so
that I thought) and gave some valuable ideas of how to deal with children that have been victims.”
  --Shanda O’Neil, Teacher, Children’s
Center of Knoxville, Inc., Knoxville, TN (6/2/08 Workshop)
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June 2011

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