PRESS RELEASE
03/20/2017
Contact:
Kathy Picard
Lake Town Publishing, LLC
413.575.4674
Kathy@childadvocate@gmail.com
A Story of Survival, Courage & Justice
The Story of One Remarkable Woman’s Transformation From Victim to Survivor, And Her Tireless Quest to Bring an End to the Sexual Abuse of Children
“Life with My Idiot Family: A True Story of Survival, Courage, and Justice Over Childhood Sexual Abuse” by Kathy and Gary Picard
“Kathy Picard’s book, Life with My Idiot Family, is a must read for anyone who finds themselves
doubting the ability of the human spirit to overcome extreme obstacles. Ms. Picard not only
overcomes, but uses her childhood pain as fuel for a life of activism with astonishing
accomplishments in the service of others.”
- Rebecca Street, Author, “You Can Help: A Guide for Family & Friends of Survivors of Sexual Abuse and Assault”
(Western Massachusetts – March 20, 2017) There is no denying the disturbing statistics of childhood sexual abuse. According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, with children 18 years and younger, one in four girls and one in six boys is a victim of sexual abuse. For author Kathy Picard, the pain and lasting impact of this horrendous crime was an inescapable chapter of her life, one that shamed her into silence for many years. In her new book, Life with My Idiot Family: A True Story of Survival, Courage, and Justice Over Sexual Abuse (Lake Town Publishing – February 2017), co-authored with her husband Gary, Kathy Picard chronicles her abusive childhood, and the process of how she found her voice and used it to become a dedicated activist and educator, playing a transformative role in the way other survivors are able to seek justice.
A compelling read with disturbing twists and turns, Kathy Picard tells the story of how, at the age of seven, her sexual abuse began and became a painful and relentless part of her life well into her teens, robbing her of her innocence and childhood. Gradually, Kathy was able to find the courage to speak openly about what she had endured, in spite of the pressure and repeated denials of the family she grew up in, and became even more determined to seek justice.
One pivotal development in Kathy Picard’s question for justice required the monumental task of challenging the outdated statute of limitations for sex abuse crimes in the state of Massachusetts, an obstacle that “stacked the deck” against abused individuals who were unable to find the strength they needed to come forward by their 21st birthday. Too many victims and survivors need decades to confront the painful events they’ve suppressed and denied simply to get through their everyday lives. Kathy Picard’s persistent and tireless work of reaching out and petitioning legislators and other influential figures has been acknowledged by many leaders in the fight to protect victims of sexual abuse.
As an advocate for education designed to encourage children to speak out when they are confused, scared, or being victimized, Kathy Picard has formed alliances with other courageous survivors of sexual abuse, including individuals affected by the widely publicized sexual abuse of children by clergy of the Catholic Church system in Massachusetts.
“Life with My Idiot Family” will inspire people to speak out and add their voices to the nationwide cry for reform in the way sexual abuse is investigated and prosecuted in the U.S., and remind us all that one person can make a difference when it comes to preventing incidents of this kind from occurring and robbing innocent young people of their confidence, self-esteem and ability to trust.
Kathy Picard is an accomplished speaker who has made a difference in the lives of countless victims of sexual abuse crimes. With the publication of her book, she looks forward to connecting with an even wider audience, joining many notable celebrities and politicians in the fight to ensure that the victims of this terrible crime are treated with the respect they deserve.
About Kathy Picard
Kathy Picard is an author, speaker, educator and survivor of childhood sexual abuse. She has been honored for her advocacy work by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, received a citation from former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, and was the recipient of the 2014 Pynchon Award, which is bestowed on individuals who have demonstrated exceptional community and civic service. Kathy also received the prestigious Founder’s Day Award from Zonta International, an organization dedicated to empowering women around the world. For the past fifteen years, she has organized and hosted numerous public events designed to raise awareness in all areas of child safety – and has spoken at police academies, colleges, universities and correctional institutions. She has been featured in numerous radio and television interviews, and was featured in Western Mass Women Magazine and other publications. Kathy Picard and her husband Gary, co-author of “Life with My Idiot Family” live in Western Massachusetts.