Klubovna Naděje
“Trauma does not begin where we think it does, and it does not end where we would expect.” A true account of sexual abuse in the form of a diary, with commentary from experts, practical advice and support for survivors and the people around them.
Tomáš Paprštein, Renata Ježková · in Czech · 344 pages · paperback and e-book (PDF) · over 3,000 copies in circulation
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The story behind the whole organisation
In Klubovna Naděje (“The Hope Clubhouse”), Tomáš Paprštein openly describes what he went through as a child: abuse, manipulation and emotional blackmail by an adult he trusted. The text takes the form of a diary: it moves from one situation to the next as the child experienced them, without explanations added afterwards and without the perspective of an adult who already knows how it ends.
If I had had someone at home who knew what to look out for, it could have ended sooner. The responsibility lay with the person who did it. This book exists so that the adults around children have a chance to notice in time.
Tomáš Paprštein, author of the book
That is precisely why the book is also a powerful tool for prevention. A parent or teacher reads about situations that look completely innocent in real life, and only the expert commentary shows exactly where the turning points were.
What you will find in the book
- A true diary-style story told from a child’s perspective.
- Expert input and commentary from psychologists, lawyers and counsellors on individual situations.
- Practical advice for parents: what to look out for and how to respond when a child hints at something.
- Guidance on what to do if a suspicion is confirmed, including the legal framework.
Who it is for
For parents, grandparents, teachers, care workers, coaches and club leaders: everyone who spends time with children and has a chance to notice the first signs. And also for adults who have been through something similar and have never had the words for it.
First it was therapy, only then a manuscript
Tomáš Paprštein
Founder and Chair of the association, creator of the #odvážný (“#brave”) show. As a child he experienced sexual abuse, manipulation and emotional blackmail by an adult he trusted. Since 2022 he has spoken about it publicly, in the media and in front of children at school talks.
Co-authorMgr. Renata Ježková
A therapist and educator with more than 25 years of practice, working with parents and with survivors of sexual violence. Member of the Association Council.
A diary with expert commentary
The author’s own story, told from a child’s perspective, kept separate from the expert commentary by psychologists, lawyers and counsellors. Readers first live through a situation and only then learn what was going on in it.
The book did not start out as a project. It started as notes that Tomáš Paprštein wrote to make sense of what had actually happened. Only when it turned out that other people recognised the situations he described did the text take on the form it has today.
That is also why the book does not read like a handbook. It does not explain, lecture or judge. It describes individual days as the child experienced them, including the fact that much of it seemed normal to him at the time. That is where its strength lies: readers see how subtly manipulation unfolds and understand why those around him failed to notice for years.
The expert input is therefore kept separate from the story. It does not interrupt the narrative with explanations, but adds to it where an adult reader asks, “And what should I have done?” The commentary was written by practitioners: psychologists, lawyers and counsellors who work with similar cases.
How to use the book, not just read it
At home
For parents, the book most often serves as a checklist for their own attentiveness. The point is not to find out that something is happening at home. It is to notice situations you have so far passed over and where it is worth asking one more question.
In the staffroom
Teachers find it works well to read the book in parts and discuss individual chapters at meetings led by the school prevention coordinator. A concrete scene opens up discussion better than a lecture on CAN syndrome (child abuse and neglect), because you can ask straight away: what would we have done in this situation?
In the school library
Besides adults, older pupils borrow the book too. We recommend making it available so that it can be borrowed without having to explain why someone is interested in it. With this subject, having to explain is often exactly what puts people off.
As a gift to pass on
A recurring theme in feedback is that readers bought a second copy and gave it to someone close to them. That way the book reaches people who would never have looked for it themselves.
Content warning
The book describes the sexual abuse of a child, manipulation and emotional blackmail. It is not written in a graphic way and is not meant to shock, but some readers may still find it hard going, especially if they have been through something similar themselves.
The book is not intended for young children. If you want to talk about the subject with a child of primary school age, get in touch and we will advise you on an age-appropriate approach, or recommend a school talk.
One extra copy takes the subject further
By buying the book you support school talks and the filming of the #odvážný show. The book is also the simplest way to pass the subject on without having to talk about it yourself.