The Imagination EP 17: "Survivor Series Part 4: 'Scout's Dishonor' - Institutional Sexual Abuse and Pedophelia" with Author Tommy Womeldorf
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Today - Bridget, Becky and I had the honor of spending time on a group call with Tommy Womeldorf who is a survivor from Arizona who was involved in a sexual abuse scandal at the hands of the Mormon Church and the Boy Scouts which he later in life wrote a book called "Scouts Dishonor" detailing his story and experiences (link below!). Tommy opens up our eyes to abuse that happens at the hands of the same people and institutions we entrust to care for our children and has been advocating against and bringing awareness to crimes against children for many years since he broke his silence. Tommy is a courageous truth-teller who's story will both break your heart and inspire you at the same time with how he's managed to find health, happiness and courage to speak out after years of internalized trauma, silence and drug abuse. You do NOT want to miss this episode!
In the words of his book, "Scouts Dishonor":
As a precocious, enthusiastic boy of thirteen, Tommy had the whole world ahead of him...until a trusted association with his Boy Scout leader destroyed his innocence and shattered his self-perception. To make matters worse, the abuse Tommy endured took place within the sacred walls of the Mormon Church. While his tormentor went on to molest at least five other boys and was ultimately convicted on these charges, Tommy's own abuse went unacknowledged, the denial of which forever altered his life's path. Succumbing to a lack of trust and self-worth, Tommy descends into a tumultuous life of drug and alcohol abuse, always seeking to mask the pain of his past. It is his relationship with the young, courageous single mother, Arlene Ryan, and her infant daughter that finally leads him into sobriety and brings him to a point in his life where he must question the failures of those he once trusted to protect him. Struggling to understand how reputable organizations can act in such reprehensible ways, Tommy is soon embroiled in a legal drama with the Mormon Church itself as he seeks the retribution and recognition of the Truth that had been suppressed for far too long. Throughout this journey, Tommy is gradually put back on the path for which his life was destined, with the ultimate purpose of serving victims and understanding the true meaning of justice, forgiveness, and Love.
(*Please see links below to find Tommy's book "Scout's Dishonor"- support survivors and their businesses and show support by listening, reading, and SHARING his story!)
My goal with this series is to talk about what no one else will talk about and to give these brave survivors a voice they've never had. A movement starts with one person - why not let that person be You?
*DISCLAIMER - DIALOGUE NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN
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Connect with and support Tommy Womeldorf:
Instagram: @tommyshonor
Facebook: Tommy Womeldorf
Purchase his book "Scout's Dishonor":
Amazon - Scouts Dishonor: A Personal story of God, Abuse, Recovery and Truth: Womeldorf, Tommy: 9780996207805: Amazon.com: Books
Website: Abuse Support Network | Scouts Dishonor
Connect with Bridget V:
Instagram: @beautybyb__
Connect with Becky Shonscheck:
Instagram: becky_shonscheck
Website: www.wakeupphx.com
Connect with 'The Imagination':
Instagram & Facebook: @yourimaginationisreal (follow us!)
Telegram: @StandBySurvivors (https://t.me/standbysurvivors)
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