The S-Anon program is made up of members from all walks of life and backgrounds, including those who have faced the painful discovery that a spouse, partner, or family member engaged in illegal or abusive sexual behavior, including offenses involving minors, adults with disabilities, or elderly persons. While S-Anon offers Twelve Step recovery support to anyone affected by another person’s sexually compulsive behavior, it does not condone, excuse, or minimize abuse of any kind.
Anonymity is a spiritual principle of S-Anon and a cornerstone of our fellowship. At the same time, the safety of minors, vulnerable adults, and all members is paramount. In practice, this means that while we respect each member’s privacy, there may be circumstances where safety requires action. S-Anon encourages members to take whatever steps are necessary to protect themselves and those for whom they are legally responsible or to whom they feel a moral obligation, which may include reporting known or suspected abuse to the appropriate legal authorities in their jurisdiction. The S-Anon fellowship exists solely to provide Twelve Step recovery to those affected by another person’s sexual behavior; it does not provide and is not a substitute for legal intervention, clinical care, or professional services engaged by members.
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