The turmoil in my life began when the state I was living in came in and removed us from my mother’s home — though they had every right and obligation to do so at the time — the nightmares of sexual abuse began in the foster home they placed me in. It would last four years because the social worker I confided in, did not believe me. Though sexual abuse did not occur in my new home — I became the “maid servant” and would be physically beaten when I made them unhappy. I had no-one except for the elders of the Mormon church we belonged to — to confide in — because this family adopted me. Just like the social worker I had while in foster care, the elders did not believe me, when I told them — I feared for my life and as a result, I remained in that environment for seven years.
Twenty three and on my own, at the “wrong place – at the right time” you might say, I was kidnapped by a stranger who had just been released from prison, serving a 3 yr. term for the rape of a 12yr old. He abducted me and took me to a cemetery and violently raped me. The following week he would attack three other women before detectives finally find him. After a grueling long trial that was highly publicized, he was sentenced to 20 yrs, being eligible for parole after six.
I have spent years angry at God for cursing me to the life of violence against me — trying to find the answer to “why?” I have medicated in every way possible, sought out counseling, redemption and spirituality. Somehow — I can’t say specifically “what worked” but somehow, I came through it. It practically took my whole life to get to this point but I’m here.
I’m here to finally stand beside others and say “No More.” To help someone else stand when they are too weak to because I too was just like them.