St. Joseph's Village, Rockleigh, NJ

RESOURCES FOR THOSE WHO HAD TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCES

The Village was a big place, and spanned some 15 years of time. It is easy to see why an estimated one thousand or more children would have dramatically different experiences. There are former residents who remember the Village as the best thing that could have been a part of their lives and support the good work of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace. Unfortunately, there are some who recall their stay at the Village to be a traumatic time in their lives due incidents of physical and sexual abuse by some adults. This page is not intended to acuse any former staff of wrong doing, but to offer emotional support and closure to a segment of alumni who feel they need these resources for their personal growth. Traumatic experiences often lead to other psychological issues, domestic violence, and addictions later inlife and it for that reason that we include a list of some services for dealing with and learning more about these issues.

Index to this Page

Discussion & Support Groups
Sexual Abuse in the Church
Sexual Abuse Survivors' Support Groups and Advocates
Psychological Resources
DNA Testing
Articles Pertaining to Abuse Issues
Quotes
Addictions and Domestic Violence
Your Participation in this Website and On-Line Discussions & Important Note Regarding Sexual Abuse Aligations
Submitting Links

LEGAL NOTICE: This website does not directly or indirectly state or imply that their was, nor does it deny there was child abuse at the St. Joseph's Village. It would be deemed libelous for this website to state or imply that there was abuse prior to any court conviction. Some materials on this website make reference to allegations by some former residents of St. Joseph's Village regarding their personal experiences with physical and sexual abuses by some clergy and lay staff of the former St. Joseph's Village. This material is solely the view, opinion, or personal account of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect the stated facts, views, and opinions of this website, its owner, or other any other affiliated parties. Furthermore, I (We) am in no way intending to or currently involved in any court action against any party regarding said allegations. There were many fine, respectable, and loving staff members at the Village. It should not be assumed that any past or present members of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace or any clergy or lay person were involved in such behavior unless proven in a court of law.

A Few Resources to Help in Your Personal Journey

Resources and articles are listed below to provide emotional support and information to those who identify as victims of abuse. While many of these groups may advocate a pro-active response directed at the clergy and staff, it is not this website's intent to suggest or promote litigation, confrontation, or protest. Further actions are the choices of the individual reader.

Discussion & Support Groups

"Village Memories" on Facebook Join other former residents for an open and free discussion of memories and issues. Share information and gain support among others who share common experiences and seek closure. A full description appears on the opening page of the discussion group Facebook page.
Visit discussion group on Facebook

Pinnacle Peak Recovery Comprehensive list of support groups.
https://www.pinnaclepeakrecovery.com/drug-alcohol-addiction-support-groups/

Sexual Abuse in the Church

Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Cases - Wikipedia Article This is an extensive encyclopedia article dealing with the subject of sexual abuse within the Roman Catholic Church.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_sexual_abuse_cases

BishopAccountability.org
This website documents the abuse crisis in the Roman Catholic Church and contains the database of publically accused priests in the United States.
http://www.bishop-accountability.org

Sexual Abuse Survivors' Support Groups and Advocates

SNAP (the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests)
The nation's largest, oldest, and most active support group for women and men who claim they have been abused by religious authority figures. SNAP is an independent and confidential organization with no connections with any church or church officials. The site is loaded with information, testimonials, and other resources.
http://www.snapnetwork.org

Male Survivor
The national organization against male sexual victimization, committed to preventing, healing, and eliminating all forms of sexual victimization of boys and men through treatment, research, education, advocacy, and activism.
http://www.malesurvivor.org

Advocate Web
Advocate Web is a nonprofit organization providing information and resources to promote awareness and understanding of the issues involved in the exploitation of persons by trusted helping professionals.
http://www.advocateweb.org/hope/default.asp

Psychological Resources

The Guide to PTSD Psst Traumatic Stress Disorder
http://www.recoveryconnection.org/addiction-post-traumatic-stress-disorder-treatment

National Center for PTSD
A program of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, this website is provided as an educational resource concerning post traumatic stress disorder and other enduring consequences of traumatic stress.
http://www.ptsd.va.gov

The Wounded Healer Journal
Support, network for victims and mental health professionals
http://twhj.com

J. Flowers Health Institute - PTSD Self-Test
713-715-1618
http://jflowershealth.com/pstd-self-test

HealthMatch
A detailed mental health guide that explains the many variations of mental conditions, their symptoms, and treatments. 
https://healthmatch.io/mental-health 

How to Calm Anxiety
This website provides a comprehensive guide to recognizing and coping with anxiety.
https://www.fingerprintforsuccess.com/blog/how-to-calm-anxiety  

DNA Testing

KnowYourDNA.com
This is a source for finding all things related to DNA. Learn more about four family history.
http://www.KnowYourDNA.com
Guide: "Where to Start With Your Raw DNA Data"
https:knowyourdna.com/guides/which-dna-test-is-the-most-accurate

Articles Pertaining to Abuse Issues

State, church officials probing abuse claims at now-defunct orphanage
A clipping from The Associated Press that provides an overview of what has been alledged and by whom. [read]

"Selling My Body" by Dennis Rhodes In 1989, two years before receiving his HIV-positive diagnosis, poet and writer Dennis Rhodes wrote a series of candid letters to New York psychotherapist Daniel Bloom. This letter recounts an incident from Dennis's childhood in which he went on a begging mission. Clicking "read" will take you to the Body Positive" website. [read]

Addictions and Domestic Violence

Although not directly related to issues of being an orphan, sexual abuse, or other issues related to a stay at the Village, these links may be of interest to some of our readers. Many people who have has traumatic experiences may be experiences other issues such as addictions in later life. By including these resources, we do not auusme that anyone is or were suffering any of these issues based on their connection with the Village. These resources were placed here by request of various third parties and as an additional service of this site. Insomecases they are connected with profit making organizations and this website receives no compensation. We may discontinue this listing in the future and direct viewers to search for such services on-line. 

Alcohol Detox
Article: Alcohol detox is considered one of the most dangerous to experience, but with care, treatment, and medications, it can be a safer and more comfortable process.
https://www.alcoholhelp.com/treatment/alcohol-detox/

Definition of Drug Misuse, Abuse & Addiction
This article breaks down drug misuse, from using medication not as directed, to using illegal substances. It's a must-read for anyone wanting to understand the difference between misuse and abuse. It discusses how misuse can lead to abuse and addiction, providing a clear picture of this dangerous progression. This knowledge can help you recognize and address these issues early. Lastly, the article offers practical tips on preventing prescription drug misuse and discuss various treatment options for substance use disorder. This information can be a lifeline for those struggling with addiction or their loved ones. The article is provided by https://www.addictiongroup.org
Goto: https://www.addictiongroup.org/resources/drug-misuse-definition/

DetoxRehabs.net
This organization's objective is to connect people with addiction, and their families, with the best detox and inpatient treatment program for their recovery needs. With their extensive directory of addiction treatment programs in every U.S. state, they can assist in getting the help you or your loved one needs to overcome addiction and mental health disorders.
https://www.detoxrehabs.net

Alcohol Rehab Help
Informational website on many forms of addiction
https://alcoholrehabhelp.org/addiction/

Pinnacle Peak Recovery
Comprehensive list of support groups.
https://www.pinnaclepeakrecovery.com/drug-alcohol-addiction-support-groups/

Domestic Abuse Links
Provided by Lisa Walker

AddictionGroup.org
Fact-based resource on drug and alcohol addiction and treatment.
http://www.addictiongroup.org

Spring Hill Recovery
https://springhillrecovery.com

RehabSpot.com
This is a website that provides treatment and recovery resources for a variety of addictions.
RehabSpot.com
Trama and Drug Addiction:
https://www.rehabspot.com/treatment/clinical/trauma-resolution
Contact: Sam Huss, Community Outreach Specialist 800-586-9670

Domestic Abuse and Addiction Guide
Domestic violence is the intentional use of emotional, psychological, sexual or physical force by one family member or intimate partner to control another. Victims of domestic violence who struggle with addiction face significant barriers to receiving treatment, but programs that effectively address addiction and abuse-related trauma are available. This guide is published by DrugRehab.com
http://www.drugrehab.com/guides/domestic-abuse

Guide to Signs of Addiction
Recognizing the signs of addiction is the first step to getting help for yourself or guiding someone you care about to rehab. For this reason, it is critical to have an understanding of the signs of addiction. There are behavioral, physical, and psychological signs of addiction. This guide is published by Advanced Recovery Systems
http://www.advancedrecoverysystems.com/signs-of-addiction

The Recovery Village (addictions)
https://www.therecoveryvillage.com

UK-Rehab
24 hour advice helpline and website for substance abuse issues: https://www.uk-rehab.com

Primrose Lodge
Addiction reconery facility: http://www.primroselodge.com

Drug Dangers
A website to educate the public about the dangers of perscription drug bause and defective drugs and devices:
htttp://www.DrugDangers.com

Addiction Helper (UK)
https://www.addictionhelper.com

Drug and Alcohol-Related Sleep Disorders
https://www.bestmattressreviews.com/addiction-and-sleep

Monarch Shores
Christian Based Addiction Rehab
https://www.monarchshores.com/treatment/christian

Help.org
Help.org is a community organization dedicated to empowering people suffering from substance abuse addiction with tools and resources to start their personal journey toward recovery. We create and publishes comprehensive, unbiased, free web-based resources that have been featured and is referenced by many governmental agencies and organizations across the web. http://www.help.org

How to Rebuild Your Finances After Rehab
http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/rebuild-finances-after-rehab.php

Tuck is Promoting Sleep Health Awareness
How alcohol negatively impacts sleep
Sleep problems associated with addiction and recovery
Non-drug therapies for sleep disorders

Drug Rehab Connections
Information and support
The Drug Rehab Connections community is made up of those who want to help and give back. We are here to share our stories of recovery and hope as we begin the steps together towards rehab and recovery.
https://www.drugrehabconnections.com

American Addiction Centers
https://americanaddictioncenters.org/rehab-guide/addiction-and-violence

Domestic Abuse and Women with Alcohol Abuse Issues
https://www.alcohol.org/women/domestic-abuse-and-alcoholism

Project Know - Understanding Addiction
Addiction treatment centers in New Jersey
https://www.projectknow.com/find/new-jersey

Sunshine Behavioral Health - Domestic Violence Resource
An extensive resource covering many aspects of domestic abuse and violence. (248) 653-6583
https://www.sunshinebehavioralhealth.com/resources/domestic-violence/

AddictionResource.net
Get help with drug and alcohol addiction
http://www.addictionresource.net

Drug Rehab USA
National USA Substance Abuse Treatment Directory & Information Hub
1-855-912-7180
https://drugrehabus.org/

Addiction Rehab Centers
Alcohol and drug recovery program.877-659-4555
http://www.addictionrehabcenters.com

Rehab Path Luxury
A rehab center that caters to a luxury environment
https://luxuryrehabs.com/condition/trauma

Quotes

A few quotes shed light on some historical perspectives regarding corpral punishment in religious environments.

"The old days, in the '50s, you would hear about kids receiving corporal punishment -- the Christian Brothers were famous for rapping kids on their knuckles. But it crosses the line when you start having to disrobe, and it becomes, by definition, sexualized in some way."
-Dr. Mary Gail Frawley O'Dea

"And the fact it's not in public is a problem. Corporal punishment was administered in public and was open in the classroom for everyone to witness. It wasn't done secretly." Dr. Mary Gail Frawley-O'Dea, noted psychologist and sexual abuse expert who was chosen by American bishops to speak at their conference in Dallas in June of 2002.
-Dr. Mary Gail Frawley O'Dea

These are quotes taken from the former website published by Katherine.

Your Participation in this Website and On-Line Discussions & Important Note Regarding Sexual Abuse Aligations

It is alleged that abuses happened to a select group of children and not all children were involved, and therefore, those participating in our discussion group or submitting materials to this website are not to be assumed to have been involved in these incidents nor should it be assumed that they became abusers due to their exposure to abuse. It is not to be a taken as a shameful thing to participate in any alumni activity. Likewise it should not be assumed that any past or present members of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace were involved in such alledged actions unless proven in a court of law.

Submitting Links

You are welcome to suggest links for this resource page. provided they are directly related to issues of orphanages, finding birth relatives, coping with being adopted, or working/living at St Joseph's Village. Publication is the sole descretion of the editor. We DO NOT normally reply to all request letters and publication may take several weeks as this section is rarely updated. Check back here to see if your submission is listed.