WHO WE ARE
A nonprofit built by a survivor, powered by lived experience.
"We grew from the need to bring the stories of lived experts out of the shadows — and into the systems, policies, and conversations that protect children."
Colleen Mullowney - Founder SSTA AWARE
THE PROBLEM WE ARE SOLVING
SSTA affects millions — yet remains
invisible in the systems meant to help.
Sibling Sexual Trauma and Abuse affects millions of children and families, yet it remains largely absent from public awareness, policy frameworks, professional training, and prevention programs. The people and systems designed to protect children often don't have the language, tools, or training to address it.
This is not a gap at the edges of the child protection system. It is a gap at the center of it.
SSTA AWARE exists to close these gaps — through awareness, education, partnership, and advocacy.
Our Team
Colleen Mullowney
Founder
Colleen Mullowney is a lived experience expert and advocate dedicated to bringing awareness, education, and prevention resources to the issue of Sibling Sexual Trauma and Abuse (SSTA). Colleen developed a 45-minute introductory presentation combining personal story with education on SSTA — and has since expanded her work to include the ONE WORD Initiative, professional development courses, coalition-building, and strategic advocacy. With a Master’s in Psychology from Antioch University in Los Angeles, she is the international representative for Brave Movement's USA National Platform. Colleen is a certified instructor in ECHO Training and Education and a facilitator for the nationally awarded Darkness to Light, Stewards of Children.
5 Waves
Collaborators
5WAVES was founded by five women in five different time zones. As survivors and parents, they each found themselves utterly alone for years and even decades, as they faced the effects of sibling sexual trauma (SST) on their lives and families. Today, led by Brandy Black Black (psydonym), Maria Socolof, and Jane Epstein, they have guided 5WAVES to become a leading organization in information, education, and peer support in the United States.
Since 2021, 5WAVES has been connecting and collaborating worldwide to shatter the silence around sibling sexual abuse and trauma. We are working to ensure that others facing this multifaceted trauma will have access to support and know that they are not alone. Inspired by the vision of these five women, 5WAVES is creating waves of change to bring sibling sexual trauma out of the shadows so people around the world can talk about it, heal from it, and prevent it. In June of 2026, 5WAVES hosted the first-ever conference in New York devoted specifically and entirely to SSTA.
Naina Chandel
Social Media Manager
I have been telling my story to friends and family for the last 25 years to process and free myself from the shame that silenced me for the first 30. Today, I tell my story to shine a light on this silent epidemic and give others hope.
Over the years, my goal has always been the same: to grow, heal, and give space for others to feel seen and heard. As I advocate for myself, I advocate for you. Wherever you are, know that there is a community of people who have walked in your shoes and understand your pain. You are not alone.
With Gratitude,
Colleen Mullowney Psy. M.
SSTA AWARE is proud to collaborate with the following organizations.
