'Over 20.83% of the population suffer some forum of sexual abuse before the age of 18 years old. They come from all walks of life, all backgrounds, and happens to both females and males, rich and poor, white, black, or pink.
Many victims of childhood sexual abuse will have been abused by someone in the family or a close family friend, and the abuser can be either male or female, rich or poor, teacher, step dad, mother, babysitter, vicar, brother or anyone. Some will have been abused by a stranger, and although that is what becomes reported in the news far more often, abuse happens far more often by someone known to the child that they should have been able to trust to protect them.
If you have been abused, please know that you are not alone, and it is possible to overcome the devastating effects that abuse can have on people for many years to come if left un-dealt with.'
http://www.aest.org.uk/survivors/
"One day I looked over my life and found myself quite confused. I was experiencing anger and hurt over events that were painful. I found it difficult to see joyful periods. I was uncertain of the path I was following. If I only looked to my past, I had little hope for the future. Looking for some understanding I began to pray. As I sat quietly, I felt a sense of peace and I waited. Slowly, an image of an innocent child came to mind. She came into this world a tiny infant, complete in every way, dependant on those around her to take care of her needs. I viewed myself like a picture window, with clear glass and a white frame. As my journey began, I could not see clearly, I need a helping hand to guide me. Later on someone threw a stone. It hit the glass and made a small crack that I could not fix. Many stones came and cracked my spirit with each blow. Eventually it fell and broke. I could not get back up. I did not know how. Many walked by, ignoring the broken pieces. Some came by and crushed me under their feet. These images disturbed me and I prayed. I felt much sadness and asked many questions. I wanted to know what the future could hold. As I sat quietly and waited, I felt a gentleness touch my heart. I felt my spirit cry out, "At this moment all I have is a pile of broken glass I cannot put back together." As tears rolled down my cheeks, I felt a comfort surround me. Something spoke to my heart and said, "My dear child, I never wanted to see you hurt. I have saved every teardrop. I will wash away your pain. You will have joy. I have many wonderful plans for you, more wonderful that you can imagine. Allow me to guide you. I will transform you into something new. Those pieces of glass will be full of color and life. I will help you put those pieces together." Then I could see myself becoming a beautiful stained glass window. As the sun shone through, the most magnificent colors were glowing. I'm grateful I am no longer alone."
~Michelle Comeau- 27
I do not want people to think that this profile is geared only towards survivors. This is for you, yes, if you have been a victim of abuse... but it is for your mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, family and friends. It is for the people that you don't even know. Sexual assault can happen to any one and it should no longer be a taboo subject! If you are of an open mind and care about others, then I would like to talk to you. (Bear in mind that this is a work in progress, lol).
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Visit New Forum Here!
Check out Haullie’s audio trailer. This is such a fabulous idea…
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This woman is amazing... check her out :)
Da'Nelle writes with passion and draws on her own difficult childhood to create her amazing sound. Her daughter is her inspiration to continue creating a more peaceful and loving world. She is always there for others and is such a beautiful soul. I adore her to bits!
There are some awesome books to facilate healing. 'The Courage to Heal' is a workbook by Laura Davis. 'Overcoming Traumatic Stress' by Claudia Herbert and Ann Wetmore is an extremely useful book, not geared solely towards survivors, but as the name suggests, any kind of traumatic stress! 'Breaking Free; Help for Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse' by Carolyn Ainscough and Kay Toon is also a fabulous book. 'Women Who Run With the Wolves' by Clarissa Pinkola Estes... 'Scars Don't Hurt' by Margaret Davidson More coming soon... open to suggestions...
Tori Amos, Martin Luther King, anyone who has gone through trauma and battled their own demons. My heroes are imperfect. That's what I like about them.