Child Abuse True Stories

Childhelp River Bridge battles child sex abuse

Childhelp River Bridge opened its doors in 2007 to provide help for abused or neglected children and to educate the community on how to prevent and deal with child abuse. Childhelp staff are, from left, outreach coordinator James Blatter, victim advocate Lee Martin, director Susan Ackerman and therapist Meghan Hurley. They work to make sure the sign above the door, “All who enter here will find love,” stands true. If they did find the courage to share their experience, they had to tell it repeatedly. As a result, many people were involved — police officers, a child protection worker, a nurse or doctor, the district attorney — each having a different role in the investigation. The professionals combined efforts to uncover the truth and to help, but it was confusing and stressful for all involved. As with so many non-profit agencies, Childhelp started as a small group of people recognizing the need for a different way to approach a serious problem. They wanted to create an agency to improve the situation. In the process, they learned of Children's Advocacy Centers, the fastest growing community-based model for coordinating multidisciplinary investigations of child abuse.

Child Abuse Story From Steve

Twice Sexually Abused:  
I was sexually abused twice as a child although I didn't recognize it for what it was at the time. The first time happened when I was in the hospital for an extended time suffering from rheumatic fever. I often had to get injections in my bottom and one nurse, a female, seemed to delight in my not wanting them. When she would get tired of my protests and force me to roll over, she'd lift my hospital gown and give me the injection. Then she would roll me back over and briefly fondle my genitals, telling me it was my "reward." I have never forgotten how ashamed this made me even though I know I didn't comprehend what was going on. The worst part about this for me was I saw that woman around town all the time for years after.

My second time was so horrible that I still have nightmares about it. I was 11 and two high school boys cornered me in an empty locker room and one held me down while the other forced himself inside my mouth. It only lasted about five seconds, and there was no climax, thank God, but the event left more of a scar upon me than anything else ever has. And I have never told anyone in person about it. I hope that by telling it here at least it will help me to start feeling better about myself. Then I somehow felt these events were my fault, but now I at least know they weren't. Still, I wish I could forget them.



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The closest thing you can come to "forgetting" what happened in either situation is to bring the light of understanding to your thoughts about what happened. Our minds don't typically allow memories to just go away completely, but our thoughts about what happened are the very things that keep us haunted and imprisoned. When we change what we think then we automatically change how we feel , which in turn automatically changes how we act . Consider counselling in order to deal with the effects of both of these sexual abuse incidents. But also, consider the work of Byron Katie or Colin Tipping.

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