When children endure the trauma of abuse, their emotions often become tangled in fear, confusion, and betrayal. One of the most profound ways they express these emotions is through visual selection. In this investigative piece, rooted in the work of the Foundation for Child Victims of the Family Court (FCVFC) and the expertise of Jill Jones Soderman, we examine how children perceive their abusers and the legal system that often fails them through the images they selected from a curated set of options that best represented their emotions.
The Images That Speak the Unspeakable
When asked to select images that best represented their abusers, the following were chosen:
The chosen images overwhelmingly depicted dark, monstrous figures, often with exaggerated, menacing features. These selections reflect the sheer terror and powerlessness felt by children who have been harmed by those they once trusted. The eyes, often a focal point in these images, appeared soulless, menacing, or entirely absent—representing the child’s perception of their abuser’s lack of empathy.
According to Jill Jones Soderman, these visual selections are crucial psychological indicators of the deep-seated fear and trauma experienced by child victims. “A child’s choice of imagery can sometimes tell us more than an hour-long interview,” she explains. “They reveal what children feel but are too afraid to say.”
The Faces of Legal Injustice
When asked to select images that best represented the judges who mandated their continued placement with their abusers, the following were chosen:
Unlike the images representing abusers, the selected depictions of judges often featured faceless figures, blindfolds, or exaggerated smiles—suggesting a forced sense of justice that, in the child’s experience, was anything but fair. Some images depicted the judges with oversized gavels, emphasizing the power imbalance and the child’s helplessness within the legal system.
Children forced to live with their abusers frequently experience a sense of betrayal—not only from their guardians but from the very institutions designed to protect them. Jill Jones Soderman and the FCVFC have extensively documented cases where judicial rulings have ignored clear evidence of abuse, often under the guise of maintaining “family unity.” This disregard has led to children enduring prolonged suffering at the hands of their perpetrators.
Understanding Trauma Through Therapeutic Science
Modern psychological research supports the notion that a child’s perception of their abuser, as reflected in their visual selections, provides essential clues for therapeutic intervention. Unlike outdated and widely discredited theories such as Richard Gardner’s “Parental Alienation Syndrome,” today’s evidence-based approaches focus on trauma-informed care and the neurological impact of abuse.
Key Therapeutic Approaches for Child Survivors:
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT): A leading method that helps children process and reframe their traumatic experiences in a safe environment.
- Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP): Focused on strengthening the parent-child relationship when one parent has been protective and the child needs a sense of security restored.
- Creative Arts Therapy: Utilizing drawing, painting, and storytelling as expressive outlets for trauma that children struggle to verbalize.
- Trauma Systems Therapy (TST): A holistic approach that considers environmental stressors alongside psychological treatment to support healing.
Incorporating these therapies into intervention programs can significantly improve the mental health and recovery trajectory of child abuse survivors.
The Urgent Need for Change
The images selected by these children are more than just expressions of fear; they are a call for reform. They underscore the failure of family courts to prioritize the safety of children over misguided legal precedents and the interests of abusive parents. The FCVFC continues to advocate for systemic changes, including:
- Increased judicial accountability for rulings that place children in dangerous environments.
- Comprehensive forensic evaluations in custody cases where abuse is alleged.
- Enhanced trauma-informed training for judges, lawyers, and child protective services.
- Greater inclusion of children’s voices in legal proceedings, ensuring that their fears and experiences are genuinely considered.
Conclusion: Listening to the Silent Testimonies
A child’s choice of imagery holds immense power. It speaks when words fail. It reveals truths that are often ignored. Through the work of the FCVFC and Jill Jones Soderman, we are beginning to understand that these images are not just random selections—they are silent testimonies of suƯering, resilience, and, most importantly, an urgent plea for protection.
As we analyze these visual depictions, one truth becomes undeniable: children forced to live with their abusers are living in a waking nightmare—one that can only end when the legal system listens, acknowledges, and acts in their best interests.
The time for change is now.
Jill Jones Soderman and the Foundation for Child Victims of the Family Court (FCVFC) are committed to eradicating child abuse in all its forms and holding perpetrators accountable until every last victim receives justice. As a nationally recognized advocate, clinician, and expert in forensic assessment, Jill Jones Soderman has dedicated her life to exposing corruption, dismantling judicial abuse, and ensuring that families have the tools and knowledge to protect their children. Under her leadership, the FCVFC provides investigative, legal, and advocacy support to families navigating the horrors of the family court system, ensuring that no perpetrator escapes accountability. Through relentless legal action, public education, and advocacy, the FCVFC is not only fighting for individual victims but also working to reform the system that enables abuse.
For advocacy support, investigative assistance, or to learn more about the FCVFC’s mission and services, please contact:
Foundation for Child Victims of the Family Court (FCVFC)
- Website: www.fcvfc.org
- Phone: (866) 553-6931
- Email: info@fcvfc.org
If you or a loved one is facing judicial corruption, family court abuse, or child endangerment, reach out to the FCVFC for expert legal strategies, psychological assessments, and unwavering support in your fight for justice.
