“Hi, I’m Ashley, a person forced to register and I know all too well how isolating and overwhelming this journey can feel.” – I have the privilege of facilitating Fearless, a support group that has changed my life and the lives of so many others. Like most of the people who attend, Society has a way of making us feel invisible or unwanted, but Fearless is a place where we are seen, heard, and supported.
Click here to sign up for an upcoming Fearless Meeting.
Fearless is more than a support group—it’s a community. Every month, people on the registry and their loved ones gather to share their stories, challenges, and victories. We come together not only to talk, but to build each other up, exchange resources, and find hope in what can feel like a very hopeless world.
The journey of being on the registry or loving someone who is can feel impossibly heavy. The shame, anxiety, and societal judgment can leave you feeling like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. I know that feeling, and so does every single person who comes to Fearless. But the magic of our group is that you quickly realize you’re not alone.
Fearless offers a safe and judgment-free space where we can talk openly about our experiences. It’s a place where we tackle hard conversations and confront the emotions we often try to bury. We laugh together, cry together, and remind each other that no matter how tough things get, we are stronger than we think.
The impact Fearless has had on its members is best told by those who’ve experienced it firsthand. C.F., who is supporting her husband as he prepares to join the registry, shared her story:
“As the wife of a soon-to-be PFR, Fearless has been a lifeline. At the beginning of this journey, I felt scared and overwhelmed. I was spiraling, and everyone I turned to seemed to think my world was ending and that starting over was my only option. I felt hopeless and isolated.
But the Fearless group offered me hope. It was a place where I finally felt seen and heard and where I met others living with similar challenges. Fearless showed me that my situation wasn’t a story of doom and gloom and gave me the strength to support my husband through these tough times and the hope for brighter days.”
J.W. , reflected on how Fearless has helped him find peace and healing:
“For years, I felt lost and alone in a cycle of crippling anxiety regarding my criminal offense. I was terrified to reach out for help. The thought of confronting my crime and anxiety was overwhelming. But PA Fearless offered a lifeline. The friendly and supportive atmosphere made all the difference. Even when discussions trigger difficult emotions, I realized it was an opportunity for growth and healing.
Through the steps and the incredible support of the group, I’ve found the strength to understand the root of my struggles and build a new, healthier life. It’s not always easy, but it’s the best decision I ever made.“
Stories like these remind me why this group matters so much. Every meeting is a reminder that we are more than the labels society puts on us. We are people who have endured pain, but we are also capable of growth, healing, and transformation. Fearless helps people regain their confidence and realize that their story isn’t over – it’s just beginning.
Pennsylvania’s Fearless group is convened by the Pennsylvania Association for Rational Sexual Offense Laws (PARSOL), an organization working to make a big difference by advocating for sexual offense laws that are prevention-focused and based on research, not fear or stigma. PARSOL believes in the possibility of rehabilitation and that every person deserves to be treated with dignity.
Fearless is one way PARSOL puts their mission into action. It’s a space where the human effect of irrational sexual offense laws becomes clear. PARSOL and Fearless both believe that people can heal and grow while supporting one another.
Fearless isn’t just for those of us on the registry. It’s for the wives, husbands, partners, friends, and family members who stand by us. It’s for anyone who has felt the weight of these circumstances and is searching for a place to belong. If you’re feeling alone, scared, or uncertain, I want you to know that Fearless is here for you.
If you’re wondering whether Fearless might be for you, let me just say: give it a try. You’ll find a warm and welcoming space with us. Fearless isn’t about judgment or labels – it’s about hope, growth, and the belief that none of us has to go through this alone.
We meet every second Saturday of the month at 4 p.m. Whether you’re on the registry or love someone who is, you are welcome. Please reach out via email if you have any questions.
Fearless has shown me—and so many others—that no one has to go through this alone. Together, we can face the challenges, celebrate the wins, and find hope for brighter days ahead.
Note: Fearless is a support program inspired by 12-step and 12-tradition-based fellowships for persons forced to register and their families. Fearless was created by NARSOL and groups exist in multiple states. For more info https://narsol.org/fearless and https://parsol.org/fearless.
