“Drugs, alcoholism, domestic violence — all of that was in our life growing up. “My dad was a salesman. He made a lot of money, but he spent it on alcohol and drugs. He beat my mom often. They ended up splitting up. “My mom … Continue readingHer childhood was ‘really, really hell’
“It began in college. I had a class called Sex and Gender in Latin America. It was talking about the machismo culture and what women in those countries are going through, not really being protected or having a voice for themselves. I remember reading these … Continue readingA voice for women who endure abuse in the military
“I was molested when I was a kid, from age 2 to 9, the whole time by my mother’s boyfriend. She had no idea. When she found out, it was over. Never saw him again. Decided not to press charges. She didn’t want to put … Continue readingSexual abuse as child continues to haunt her
“It’s kind of hard to say. What happened to me when I was a little kid, when I was 7 … I got molested by my neighbors. Ever since, it sparked a fear of men. “Growing up, when your parents are strict — not mean, … Continue readingTalking about sexual abuse a step in right direction
“My father was molesting me. It wasn’t rape. It was more inappropriate touching. He also was verbally abusive. I just had to get out of there. So when I was about 19, I left my parents’ house and moved in with one of my sisters. … Continue readingMolestation, rape victim has overcome
“I’ve gone through some stuff people shouldn’t have to go through. I was abused for six years by my uncle and my cousins. The hardest thing about it was that I didn’t understand why I was the one getting hurt. Like why did they choose … Continue readingShe supports others going through tough times
“I’ve done a lot of volunteer work: homeless shelters, soup kitchens, all sorts of stuff. I worked with elderly people for a couple years. I’ve been involved with activities to assist kids. Just anything where I can help people. “One day, I’d like to work … Continue readingFrom sexual abuse in childhood to helping others