Word and Action (W&A) is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2009 by psychotherapist, Georges Bossous, Jr.. After many years of practice, Bossous had identified a need for cultural competency when treating victims of child sexual abuse and their affected loved ones. His conviction about this need was a result of his encounter with a 14-year-old Haitian-American girl who was impregnated by her 70-year-old stepfather and whose mother was not supportive during treatment. Where his peers seemed baffled by the mother’s lack of support for her victimized daughter.

 

Armed with a deeper understanding of the Haitian culture, Mr. Bossous understood that the mother was displaying signs of victimization herself. A second case, involving another 14-year-old Haitian-American girl who was sexually abused on multiple occasions by several men, was just as horrific, and her abuse had taken place when she was between the ages of 4 and 13. This compelled him to write an outline of a culturally based approach to sexual abuse prevention and treatment: “Strengthening the Family.” 

 

This outline was shared with friends and co-workers and became the catalyst for the launching of Word and Action. Bossous’ understanding of the Haitian paternalistic culture, coupled with his years of expertise as a psychotherapist and passion for the cause fuelled his desire for addressing the issue of cultural competency in prevention and treatment of child sexual abuse.

 

Word and Action, Inc. was officially incorporated on September 16, 2009. The organization has been conducting various fundraising activities to support its overall mission. Members of the organization have been very active through numerous seminars, panel discussions, conferences, workshop, and trainings pertaining to child sexual abuse nationally and internationally.