One of the hardest thing to do as a survivor of CSA is to speak openly about the abuse. I know, it took me twenty years to open up.
I was listening to survivors, step up to an open mic, at SDSU – Take Back The Night on Thursday. I felt sad listening to the young women and men speak about abuse that had been done to them. It is hard to imagine sometimes what humans can do to other fellow human beings, especially to children.
The other feeling I felt sitting there was the feeling of hope. I felt so proud of these people, because speaking up – sharing their story – is not only a huge step in healing from CSA but it is also very important for our community. Survivors provide an important insight into what it takes to prevent CSA. We can not fix a problem if we do not know where it stems from. So survivors can educate other adults about what would have made a difference, prevented and likely stopped the abuse!
It was encouraging to know that there are so many courageous people out there. I know that they are out there! It was just amazing to see that so many of them made their way to the Aztec center Thursday night.
I do believe that we all want to change for the better and take personal responsibility for our lives. That is the only way we can change the world we live in, it starts with us!
I felt honored to be asked to speak at Take Back The Night on Thursday. I shared my story as a survivor of CSA. I always focus on the prevention of CSA and shared a few ways we can get educated about the issue to make a difference in the lives of children and adults around us.
The powerpoint screen did not cooperate with me at the event but I had hoped to finish with this poem that I will share here. I found this in Oprah magazine and it felt appropriate for this event.
This is how we take back our lives!
“Fearlessness may be a gift but perhaps more precious is the courage acquired through endeavour, courage that comes from cultivating the habit of refusing to let fear dictate one´s actions….” Aung San Suu Kyi
hey there.
Yeah, it is hard to speak up about the abuse and shame we have to endure when we are little and so helpless.
anyway, I love that quote, can I copy it to my website?
Hi,
Yes speaking about it is hard but important to do. That is how we heal.
Yes feel free, like I said I got it from Oprah. Thanks for checking in!