I Survived and Nothing Can Stop Me Now
My sexual abuse started early and lasted until I was 9 years old. My birth father would come into my room. My birth mother would take me out at night, to meet “clients.” No one helped me. I was a plaything, not treated like a human. But school was my sanctuary, even if I didn’t have any friends my age. I was close with my counselor and my teachers.
One day, I gathered enough courage to speak to my counselor. My birth father had attacked my younger brother and I fought him with everything I had. Before I knew it, my brother and I were whisked away to Utah and a couple of months later, a family adopted us. That didn’t work out so well for me, just a few short years later I was sent back to my birth father, and then eventually the foster care system.
I was failed by all of the adults in my life, but I survived nonetheless. I’m now enrolled in college, double majoring in Anthropology and Criminology, and I hope to one day help those that suffer like I did. I made it through hell and survived.
I may be broken, but I can put myself back together in time. I’ve been on the brink of despair and almost gave up. But I know it can get better. I’ve taken care of myself for as long as I can remember. I survived, and nothing can stop me now.
-Nicole, Survivor