Whether you are a parent, sibling, other family or friend, when sexual abuse or a sex crime occurrs, it affects everyone associated. Each person in the family and Zone of Association are impacted differently, with different issues.

Each person will deal with the situation in their own way, but we have found that the overhwelming feelings of isolation, social stigma, rejection, harassment and vigilantism leave people desperate for help.

SOhopeful offers a unique venue for those affected to receive emotional support, commiserate, share information and resources in a confidential, non-judgmental atmosphere. This emotional support is offered FREE to any registered member.

Below are the main categories of emotional support that are available. In addition, we also have areas that are devoted to all of these groups from a religious standpoint, and we have several ministers available to members.

Many times this is the mother (although not always), and this parent is in what is described as the most excruciating pain a person can be - loving their spouse (the offender) and their child (the victim) and wanting the best for both, and the entire family. Not an enviable position, to say the least! Often those within the extended family, community, court system and even faith community put extreme pressure on the NOP to divorce immediately. However, intra-familial abuse situations are complex and others don't take into account the myriad factors involved: is that what is best for my family? Is that what is best for the other children? Is that what is best for my spouse? Does it conflict with my religious convictions? And what about reunifying the family after legal action has been taken and the legal sanction completed? Is it wise or recommended?

No one can answer those questions for you, however, we at SOhopeful understand the dilemma that you face. Our NOP members can shed some light on what you can expect within the legal system, CPS, therapy (individual and family), what your other children may experience and share some coping tips, as well as good, old fashioned emotional support. We are here to help you navigate through this immensely difficult situation, without judgment, reprisal or condemnation.

Every parent wants their child(ren) to succeed, to be happy, healthy and productive. But what does a parent do when their child has committed a sex offense? What if one child committed an offense against a sibling? And what of the teen who is prosecuted for consensual sexual actiity with a peer? What support exists for you?

SOhopeful offers information and emotional support for those who have a juvenile offender in their family - we recognize the unique issues that arise when your child is the registrant.

When ANY member of the family is on the registry, whether it is a spouse, child, sibling, grandchild/grandparent or friend, tough issues come up. One can still love the registrant while condemning their crime, but still face pressures from inside and outside of the family. The feelings isolation and depression can be overhwelming. Where can you turn to share experiences of the crushing social stigma, harassment and isolation?

SOhopeful members are in the same situation as yourself. If anyone understands how encompassing, how pervasive the issue affects every aspect of daily life, it would be others who are facing similar circumstance.

Who will understand that you are doing your BEST? Who will understand that you are and have been dutifully following all of the laws, obligations and restrictions? Who will understand that the rules keep changing and the penalties keep increasing in a system that seems to set you up for failure, then celebrates when you are arrested on a technicality of a confusing statute? Who can understand that you are being systematically excluded from housing, employment, and in many cases, from even being near your own family? Who else will understand the absolute terror that you live with daily of vigilantes?

We at SOhopeful recognize that everyone is not the same. We do not condone crimes of any sort, especially sexual crimes, however, we do not allow any hierarchy or judgment. All people have a reason to join and want to improve themselves and their situation.

We recognize that when YOU succeed, we ALL succeed, and we want to help as much as we are able.

If you are on parole or probation and you have restrictions that prohibit you from accessing the Internet, or associating with 'known felons' - PLEASE DO NOT JOIN or do anything that would break any local, state or federal laws or that would jeopardize your freedom. If you are in this situation, please call us at 503-381-6535 - we are here for you as well.

1. Click "Register" link at the top right hand corner of the page.
2. Read and accept the Terms and Conditions
3. Enter a username (do not recommend your first and last name as a username), pick a password, and input your preferred email address, and your state of residence.
4. Your account will be approved as soon as humanly possible by the Administrator.
5. You will receive an email confirming your registration that contains your username & password (keep this)
6. Log in to the forum
7. Send an email or Private Message to Carolyn or NOP_Christine, letting us know which area(s) you would like to access; we will respond promptly.
8. Click "Emotional Support" link at the top right hand corner of the forum - > Viola!