Saturday, January 14, 2006

What is Bughouse Square?

I am an incest survivor from Chicago. Like many other survivors of childhood abuse, for many years I had no voice, choice was always taken away from me.

When I tried to get help for myself when I was young, no one would believe me that my father would do what he did to me. I was from a "nice" Jewish home. I was always told that Jewish father's don't molest their children. I felt so blamed and shamed until I started meeting other Jewish survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

I've been wanting to start a blog for awhile, but never could think of a good name for one. I drove past Washington Park (the home of Bughouse Square) today and remembered its history. It just made sense to name my blog after it.

Many people may not remember Bughouse Square in Chicago. In its infancy in the mid-1800’s, Bughouse Square was a place where people would gather to share stories on the news and the politics of the day. I guess you can say it was one of the original place for "Blogging".

Until I found the right help, and started meeting other survivors I really felt like I was crazy. Now I look back and just sort of laugh at myself. FYI: The word Bughouse is slang for a mental health facility. My blog is open to all Jewish survivors to share their insanity. :-)

I also thought it might be a great idea for us to share what resources there out there.

Does anyone know of any good ISA or SIA groups? Are there other self-help groups around?