My name is Karin Smith and I created PASAC, Partners of Adults Sexually Abused as Children.

I started this web site for partners in February 2002. I was in a relationship with a man who was sexually abused as a child. I did not understand why he would shut down, disassociate and withdrawal. I looked for groups for partners of sexually abused survivors in my Southern California area, and on the Internet but I did not find any.

I was desperately seeking support for myself, someone I could talk to about the difficult & crazy feelings that arose from being in a relationship with an abuse survivor. Finding nothing in my area, I decided to start a group of my own. I have since moved to Oregon, and have married Justin (the survivor in our relationship). I maintain this web site for others seeking more information and support, and to talk online in the PASAC private chat room.

My goal is to let people know that there is hope and there is light at the end of the tunnel when in a relationship with a survivor. There are numerous books written on the subject that are of great help. I have read all the books listed on the PASAC recommended reading list. I highly recommend partners read as much as possible. The books will clarify for the partners what the survivors struggle with every day of their lives.

It is important to realize that survivors are good people who need and want to be loved. Survivors also need to learn how to give love, to trust again, to feel safe expressing their emotions–things they could not do growing up. Ultimately, the survivor, just like their partner, strives to become a whole person, happy and loving as God intended for all his children.

Don't give up, life gets better and your love and your bonding becomes stronger. You both deserve to be happy.

If you would like to know more about PASAC, please send an email to support@PASAC.net. Of course, your feedback is always welcome. You are also invited explore our site, and to sign the PASAC Guestbook

Thank you for visiting PASAC.