Safeguarding Our Children-United Mothers

Written by Debbie Mahoney

"I have felt the tears. I have heard the silent cries. I have seen the haunted eyes. A child's innocence can never be replaced."
Debbie Mahoney, Founder, SOC-UM

About Us

We were founded in 1994 to assist in the fight for public disclosure of California's registered sex offenders. With our assistance, "AB2500: The Child Molester Hotline" was passed.

Our organization began like so many others. Founder, Debbie Mahoney's own child was wounded by the trauma of child sexual abuse. Together, with the help of good friend, Dana Richards, and co-founder/survivor, LaDonna MacDermott, and dedicated teacher, Janiece Hopper, SOC-UM became a reality.

advertisement

As we began the fight for public disclosure, we also began the search for programs that would stop child physical and sexual abuse from occurring. We believe that children need the tools to protect themselves, to learn to avoid possible dangerous situations; or if abuse is occurring, to learn how to tell a trusted adult so the abuse will stop. We were aware that children often do not tell (or only tell a single person) and when help isn't given (they are not believed) stop telling. Teaching children to continue to tell, until help is given, is vital to breaking the cycle and silence of abuse.

(Please see our education page. Our curricula is free and includes complete lesson plans and activities using readily available, inexpensive classroom materials. Our goal is to ensure all children have the opportunity to get the education they need.)

SOC-UM has remained an all volunteer organization, assisting with the passage of laws that facilitate mental health and safety to our children. Additionally, we will continue to develop programs that provide children the needed safety tools. We will fight for those whose very souls are stolen by the silent trappings of manipulative persons.

next: Child Abuse and Mental Health