A Growing Awareness
The conversation also touches on the evolving awareness surrounding sexual abuse in various communities. Shana notes that while there is still significant fear and resistance to discussing these topics, the tide is turning. More people are beginning to recognize the prevalence of abuse and the necessity for community action.
“This is something that happens in every community, but insular communities often feel a desperate need to keep it quiet for the sake of their image.”
From Accidental Activism to Leadership
Shana’s path to Magen was not a straight line. Initially working with at-risk youth, she noticed a disturbing trend regarding sexual abuse among her peers. This led her to coalesce various volunteer initiatives and organizations into Magen, which focuses on raising awareness and providing support for survivors. Shana highlights the importance of community involvement and the need to break the silence surrounding these issues.
“I didn’t know how to keep my mouth shut, and that single moment in the park changed everything for me.”
The Role of Insular Communities
In the podcast, the discussion shifts to the dynamics within insular communities, including faith-based groups, which often struggle with acknowledging abuse due to a desire to protect their image. Shana emphasizes that while the rates of abuse are similar across communities, insular environments create unique obstacles in addressing the issue openly.
Shana Aronson is the director of Magen, an organization that works to expose, prevent, and confront sexual abuse in insular communities. She began her career working with at-risk youth, and a strange encounter in a dark playground led her to file a police report that uncovered a hidden predator. That moment set her on the path to advocacy.
Shana later brought several volunteer efforts together to form Magen, which now supports survivors through safety, healing, investigations, advocacy, education, and community awareness.