“Beyond Survival the last of Cathy Brochu’s trilogy about struggle and rebirth, shows us that, for Ms. Brochu, life is about more than surviving.  For her, it is about growing to become an advocate and activist for those suffering in a nightmarish world that society chooses to deny.  This compilation of stories, poems and narratives-some in illustration rather than words-gives a voice to many who have endured violence and degradation by the very people who should have protected and loved them.

   Encouraging patients to tell their stories is an important tool in medical diagnosis and an important therapeutic tool in healing wounds of the psyche.  Listening, truly listening to the storyteller is a skill that develops in the best health professionals.  The author gives us the opportunity to hear something very profound about how people can heal.  But, if we listen carefully, through these writings, we might learn to recognize those in need of advocacy and begin to break this societal cycle of distress.

   I feel that Ms. Brochu’s trilogy Lost Innocence, New Beginnings and now Beyond Survival, should be required reading for health care professionals.  We cannot really begin to help until we are able to hear the voices of those struggling to break free.  The author, once again, has made an important contribution by letting these stories speak for themselves.  We just need to listen!” 

Wendy S. A. Edwards, MD

Chief, Section of Palliative Medicine Department of Medicine and

Faculty John Conley Department of Ethics

St. Vincent’s Hospital Manhattan

     “Like Homer’s ill-fated, absurd hero, Sisyphus, the author of “Lost Innocence” and “New Beginnings” mastered her fate by embracing it with courage and lucidity.  Now in “Beyond Survival,” the final offering in her life-affirming trilogy, the author provides other victims laboring in the underworld of sexual experience an opportunity to give voice to their mastery of fate and fury in poems, stories and other public expressions of private pain and healing.  Superbly conceived and executed, “Beyond Survival: Reclaiming Self” is a rich, rewarding read for anyone attuned critically to the irrepressible drama of human triumph over excruciating intrapsychic experience.”

Carl P. Ellerman, Ph. D.

Psychotherapist

Syracuse, New York

      “The combined voices of countless survivors of childhood abuse join together to offer hope and healing in Beyond Survival: Reclaiming Self.  Through prose, poems, and drawings, the reader is provided with abundant examples of survival and recovery from childhood trauma.  By sharing their experiences, the contributors grant the reader a look inside their anguish, but more importantly, into their recovery and victory over childhood abuse.  Beyond Survival offers hope to those recovering from childhood abuse, affirming that they are not alone, and triumph over trauma is possible.”

Jennifer Cornish Genovese, ACSW, LCSW

Psychotherapist specializing in the treatment of traumatized children

Syracuse, New York

     “Cathy Brochu is my friend and heroine.  Cathy was the first victim of childhood sexual abuse that I had ever met locally who spoke out about her abuse to enlighten others to the magnitude of this problem.  She was not viewed by many people at that time as heroic.  In fact, many people asked why she did not keep “the secret.”  After all, she doesn’t look like and she doesn’t act like a victim.  “Keep quiet they would say and no one will know your shame.”  Those were tough times for my friend, but she persevered and continued to be a voice for the victims of this terrible crime.  Through her efforts, more and more people who were also abused have been able to say, “I was the victim and the fault and shame for this crime is not mine, but with the abuser.”

Ron Hawkins

retired Deputy Sheriff

Syracuse, New York

      “Cathy Brochu’s book, Beyond Survival: Reclaiming Self, the third in a trilogy, gives voice to many adults who have survived sexual assault and incest.  The book offers a unique opportunity for the reader to examine the artistry displayed in poems, stories, photos and lyrics of survivors’ works.  This candid documentation of the healing journey one takes from ‘victim’ to ‘survivor’ and eventually to ‘advocate for social change’ inspires and encourages each of us to join collectively in doing our part to end violence.  Cathy’s work exemplifies the power of hope, compassion and wisdom in her role as a champion for the cessation of abuse.”

Kathleen K. Flannery, LMSW

Former Executive Director

Rape Crisis Center

Syracuse, New York

      “Victims of sexual violence feel alone and isolated.  “No one understands what I am going through” is something I constantly hear from victims.  Victims need empathy and support from allies and advocates.  A critical part of the healing process, however, is the ability of victims to connect with other survivors of sexual violence, men and women who truly know what it is like to experience such a terrible act.  With the sensitive nature, stigma and complexity of issues surrounding sexual assault, it is often difficult for victims to find other survivors, which is so important to the individual’s recovery.

        Beyond Survival by Cathy Brochu brings the experiences of survivors of incest and sexual assault together for the entire community.  In her book, victims can learn about a similar pain and experiences of other victims and realize that they are not alone.  Victims will also learn of the indomitable spirit of survivors and see the hope that exists, which is so important in the healing process.

       I hope that not only survivors, but also allies will use this resource and experience the poems, photos, lyrics and stories to reaffirm their commitment to combating and ultimately ending sexual violence.”

Rami S. Badawy, Esq.

Director, Office of Judicial Affairs

Syracuse University

Syracuse, New York

Former Assistant District Attorney

Syracuse, New York

     “Beyond Survival: Reclaiming Self is a truly remarkable work.  Words of survivors, men and women of all ages, jump off the page and into the heart and mind of the reader.  The open and honest presentation of the experience of sexual abuse sears the soul.  The strength, courage, and healing messages of survivors are inspirational and compelling.  If this book does not motivate you to activism, nothing will.” 

Randi K. Bregman

Executive Director

Vera House, Inc.

Syracuse, New York

      “After reading Ms. Brochu’s first two works, Lost Innocence and New Beginnings, I looked forward to this book with great anticipation.  It is more powerful and moving than I ever could have imagined.  In addition to her own journey, in this latest work she includes the experiences of many others through stories, poems, and artwork.  Like its predecessors, Beyond Survival is a book that you’ll want to re-read and share with others.  It portrays a dark side of human experience with love, compassion, great insight, and most importantly, hope for building a stronger community and world.  My hope is that as many people as possible will be embraced by these books and that Ms. Brochu herself will continue her healing work as an author.”  

Linda Newell, Ph. D

Department of OB/GYN

Upstate Medical University

Syracuse, New York

     “Throughout “Beyond Survival” the reader is exposed to the reality of hurt, betrayal, loss of trust, safety and childhood innocence as experienced by the victims of sexual abuse.  More than that, the reader feels these individuals’ courage, strength and wisdom.  Those who contributed their stories, poems and art to “Beyond Survival” are true “survivors.”  As the title implies, these individuals do not dwell in the past, but thrive on the promise of the future.

     This is a book that needed to be written.  “Beyond Survival” gives a voice to those who live with their own personal history of sexual abuse and struggle to live beyond being a victim or survivor to face the every day challenges of life.

     I will personally recommend this book, as well as Cathy Brochu’s previous books, “Lost Innocence” and “New Beginnings” to those who advocate for and work with survivors of incest, sexual abuse and assault.  And for all those who have lived the nightmare of abuse, I would say, draw here from the strength of your brothers and sisters and know that you are not alone.”

Rosa F. Grube, BSW, Med

Cayuga Counseling Services, Inc.

Auburn, New York