False Memory Syndrome Foundation - Vol 01 No 06 - 1992 june

Magazine Overview

This issue of the FMS Foundation Newsletter, dated June 12, 1992, focuses on the controversial topic of false memory syndrome and recovered memories of abuse. The newsletter expresses deep concern over the increasing number of families affected by accusations of sexual abuse that surface during therapy, often leading to the estrangement of adult children from their parents. The FMS Foundation argues that memory is a creative and reconstructive process, not a perfect recording, and questions the automatic acceptance of recovered memories without verification.

The Phenomenon of Recovered Memories

The newsletter details the experiences of families who have received numerous calls from individuals reporting sudden recovery of abuse memories during therapy. These memories often lead to a radical behavioral change in the adult children, who then refuse contact with their parents. The FMS Foundation notes that this phenomenon is often framed by therapists and the media as a dichotomy between 'recovery' and 'denial,' a perspective the Foundation rejects.

The newsletter highlights that the issue of repressed memories is a subject for research and discussion, but expresses concern when therapists and clients refuse to meet with parents to discuss differing versions of history. Some parents describe this behavior as 'cult behavior' rather than therapy. The newsletter also references a feminist perspective that views family therapy as potentially perpetuating the status quo that enabled incestuous acts, citing an article from the Journal of Family Psychology.

Another viewpoint discussed is that of the 'Recovery Movement,' exemplified by John Bradshaw, which posits that over 90% of families are dysfunctional and parents are often beyond help, with addiction being a primary issue.

The FMS Foundation members, however, are deeply concerned about the potential negative consequences of unchecked false accusations, including the destruction of families, a future disbelief of genuine abuse victims, disrespect for the mental health community, and compromised patient care.

Domains of Recovered Memories

The newsletter broadens the scope of recovered memories by mentioning various instances: memories of the birth canal and 'engrams' from the 1950s, recovered memories of past lives (e.g., a Civil War-era life in Virginia), memories of satanic ritual abuse conspiracies (since 1984), and memories of sexual abuse by space aliens (1992 Roper survey). The core question posed is why memories of incest are considered credible while memories of space aliens are suspect, emphasizing that the mechanism of recovering memories should be consistent regardless of the content.

Belief of Therapists and Legal Actions

A significant underlying factor contributing to the phenomenon, according to the newsletter, is the principle of 'total belief' in the client by many therapists. This approach prioritizes 'narrative truth' over 'historical truth,' potentially leading to a 'cauldron' of false memories and accusations when mixed with certain political ideologies, such as feminism.

The newsletter cites statements from 'Courage to Heal,' a book associated with the survivor movement, which encourages suing parents and suggests that forgiveness is not necessary. It also notes that the family is increasingly being recognized globally as a potentially dangerous institution.

The data presented from preliminary surveys and phone calls indicate that a substantial percentage of families are involved in legal actions. Approximately 17% of families are being sued or threatened with lawsuits by their children. Some therapists and lawyers are suggested to encourage these actions, possibly due to greed or a belief system that seeks to destroy the traditional family structure.

Legal Precedents and Resources

The newsletter discusses the legal implications of recovered memories, noting that many accused individuals are willing to take lie detector tests, and some have been advised to confess to maintain contact with their children. Threats of lawsuits and restraining orders are common.

The issue highlights the case of *Com v. Dunkle*, a Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision that deemed expert testimony on 'child abuse syndrome' inadmissible, ruling that it was not a generally accepted diagnostic tool and that the expert's testimony did not meet the threshold for relevancy and probativity. The court also found that explanations for delayed reporting or memory gaps in abused children were within the common knowledge of laypeople and thus not appropriate for expert testimony.

• Several books and articles are recommended for those seeking information on legal issues related to false memory syndrome and child abuse accusations, including:
• 'Courage to Heal' by Bass & Davis
• 'Domestic Torts: Family Violence, Conflict and Sexual Abuse' by Karp & Karp
• 'True and False Accusations of Child Sex Abuse' by Richard Gardner, M.D.
• 'Recovered memories of alleged sexual abuse: Lawsuits against parents' by Wakefield and Underwager
• 'Shifting the Burden of Truth: Suing Child Sexual Abusers' by Crnich & Crnich

Flashbacks and the FMS Foundation's Role

The newsletter addresses the phenomenon of flashbacks, defining them as eruptions of buried traumatic memories triggered by external stimuli. It notes that while flashbacks typically diminish over time, some therapists believe individuals can be free of them for decades and then suddenly experience them.

The FMS Foundation is actively collecting written records of family experiences and media clippings to build an archive for future scholarly research. They encourage individuals to document their feelings and events, reach out to the media to present a balanced perspective, and consider placing ads to help document the extent of the 'false memory' problem.

Meetings and Future Publications

Information is provided about upcoming FMS Foundation meetings in the Southwest Area (Oklahoma City), Toronto, Canada, and the Northwest Area (Washington). A meeting in Utah is also announced with Dr. Raskin as the speaker. The newsletter also states that two more newsletters are expected during the summer, with deadlines for submissions in July and August.

Personal Testimony

A personal account is included from a sister who recounts her experience after her sibling accused their father of sexual abuse based on a 'dream.' The sister expresses disbelief, stating that the alleged events did not occur in their shared bedroom and questioning the motives and the sudden shift in her sister's behavior. She describes her parents as devastated and hurt, and expresses a mix of anger, pity, and love for her sister, lamenting the loss of their relationship.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical examination of the 'false memory syndrome' and the potential for recovered memories to be inaccurate or fabricated, leading to devastating consequences for families. The FMS Foundation's stance is one of caution, advocating for a balanced approach that considers the reconstructive nature of memory and the need for verification, rather than automatic acceptance of accusations. They position themselves as a resource for families facing these challenges, providing information, support, and a platform for alternative perspectives to those often presented in the media and by some therapeutic practices. The newsletter emphasizes the importance of legal resources and scholarly research in understanding this complex phenomenon.