Ep.58 | In The Telling We Do Not Die with Risa Shaw

In this compelling episode, host Nancy Morris dives into a profound discussion with Dr. Risa Shaw, a trailblazer in the study of sibling sexual abuse (SSA). The episode centers around Risa's influential book, *Not Child's Play: An Anthology on Brother-Sister Incest*, and the transformative power of speaking out against abuse. Together, they uncover the societal stigma that shrouds SSA, the importance of sharing survivor stories, and the ongoing impact of these narratives on reducing isolation and fostering healing.

Risa recounts the painstaking journey behind creating her anthology, which spans from its initial concept in 2000 to its updated second edition. The conversation extends to highlight the benefits and challenges of disclosure, emphasizing that speaking up is a highly transformative act that offers profound personal healing. They also share poignant stories from the book, notably those of Marian and Dorothy, sisters who only found the courage to speak about their abuse in their later years, showing that it's never too late to break the silence. This episode is a beacon for anyone seeking understanding or grappling with the difficulties of SSA.

About Risa:

Dr. Risa Shaw is a survivor of brother-sister incest. In her new preface of the second edition of Not Child's Play, she reveals the power of 40 years of truth-telling to address the abuse, shame, self-blame, self-hatred, and damage done not only to her, but to every survivor of sibling incest. Risa has never shied away from the challenge of telling truth to power and she intentionally finds ways to center and amplify the voices of those silenced by oppression and violence. She is an educator, leader, and activist, living her life outloud for nearly 45 years in the Washington, D.C. area. Risa shares her life with her wife of 37 years and a large beloved community. With the first edition of Not Child's Play in 2000 and now the publication of a second edition with a new Preface, Foreword, and Afterword, Risa has translated decades of hard, brave, and meaningful work into a means of healing both for herself and for her readers.

Key Takeaways:

*   Importance of Speaking Out: Sharing one's story of sibling sexual abuse is a transformative act that reduces isolation and opens the door to healing.

*   Impact of Risa's Work: Dr. Shaw's book *Not Child's Play* remains pivotal in the discourse around SSA, being the only anthology of first-person accounts.

*   Generational Effects: Disclos