August 6, 2002
This warning is for posters to our board,
The CatBox,
and may pertain to other abuse boards as well:
Our board is open to anyone. E-mail addresses that are not hidden
are accessible to anyone. While we moderate and try to make The CatBox a safe
place, we can't prevent troublesome outsiders from contacting members
with visible e-mail addresses. (If you'd feel safer hiding your email
address hidden, please do so. Anyone needing to contact you may
through an Administrator.)
We have recently had problems caused by one man who contacted
several female members at different times. This man offered helpful
information: the Biblical perspective on abuse, how to increase
self-esteem, how to deal with an abuser; cassette tapes of his pastor
and Joyce Meyer, etc. He sent personal notes of encouragement,
e-cards, poetry, and inspirational pieces. He claimed to have been
“called” to minister to abused women. After establishing a friendship,
a romantic relationship ensued with at least two of the women. After
winning their trust and affection, he became disapproving, punitive,
and easily offended. Finally, he ended communication in a hostile,
abrupt, and hurtful manner. (Sound familiar?)
This man comes across as very spiritual and
God-fearing. He uses compassion and religion to win an abused woman's
trust. The information he sends is legitimate, but his motives are
not.
He follows the same pattern - leading us to believe he is targeting abused women who are in a vulnerable state. If
you think you may be one of his victims, please feel free to e-mail
Stormy, one of our Admins.
Be very cautious about internet communication with anyone
you don't know, but please don't be afraid to post! He has never posted here and most
likely has been chased from this site. As long as we are smart and
aware, we'll be okay. And please...pass the word to other boards you
visit.
