(You are welcome to use this image, HOWEVER, you MUST give credit and mention somewhere in its posting that it is for Child victims and Adult survivors of Child Sexual Abuse! There are three in all: Large with writing, small white, small black.

Please also refer to accompanying Journal Entry [link])

During my time heading the Council of Courage, I created what I called The Child's Purple Heart.

I created this design for children who are, have been, and will be victims of abuse. The central theme of the kid-like color blocked bow is a purple heart.

The official Purple Heart presented to military personnel throughout history is defined as this:

" The Purple Heart differs from all other decorations in that an individual is not 'recommended' for the decoration; rather he or she is entitled upon being killed or wounded in a manner meeting the specific criteria:

In any action against an enemy of the United States;

In any action with an opposing armed force of a foreign country in which the Armed Forces of the United States are or have been engaged;

While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party;

As a result of an act of any such enemy of opposing armed forces;

As the result of an act of any hostile foreign force;

As a result of an international terrorist attack against the United States or a foreign nation friendly to the United States;

As a result of military operations, while serving outside the territory of the United States as part of a peacekeeping force.

By weapon fire while directly engaged in armed conflict, regardless of the fire causing the wound.

While held as a prisoner of war or while being taken captive.

A 'wound' is defined as an injury to any part of the body from an outside force or agent. A physical lesion is not required...

Individuals wounded or killed will be awarded the Purple Heart as long as the projectile or agent was released with the full intent of inflicting damage...

Examples of enemy-related injuries which clearly justify award of the Purple Heart are as follows:

Injury caused by enemy bullet, shrapnel, or other projectile created by enemy action.

Injury caused by enemy placed mine or trap.

Injury caused by enemy released chemical, biological or nuclear agent.

Injury caused by vehicle or aircraft accident resulting from enemy fire.

Concussion injuries caused as a result of enemy generated explosions. "


Now, the way I see it, any human being - Child, Woman, or Man...civilian, military, citizen, foreigner - who has experienced sexual abuse is just as entitled to such an award as people who fight wars involving tanks and bombs.

Sexual abuse IS war - it's a war on defenseless children. No one asks to be the victim of abuse, but there you have it, children and adults alike are held captive every day in this and other countries for the sick pleasures of others. They are injured both outwardly and inwardly, even if the scars don't show. Some are murdered as a result of the abuse.

Sexual abusers do not care about race, religion, culture, social status, outward appearance, or inner beauty. Their attack is ALWAYS unprovoked, though they try to convince the victim otherwise.

I believe the criteria the Armed Forces uses to present their Purple Heart can just as easily apply to victims of sexual abuse.

When I presented this idea to the Council of Courage, the military members (many), some of them decorated veterans, backed this idea 100%. You may download a copy of this from my gallery to use wherever you think it will do some good in your life and in the lives of the children around you. All I ask is that you use it only for what it is intended: Alerting people to the abuse of children.

~ The Shadow Mistress