Stolen Innocence: a story of sexual abuse

Stolen Innocence
 *a volunteer story

“We lived in an apartment.  My parents were divorced and my mother had to leave us alone a lot while she worked.  My brothers and I roamed the neighborhood most days, making friends and playing.
 
On this particular day my brothers were playing with a kid named Scott.  I don’t remember what he looked like, but I’ve never forgotten his name.
 
We were playing hide-and-seek.  Scott and I ended up in my bedroom and we were “hiding” under my covers.  He asked me to take my clothes off.  I was only eight years old.
 
My little brother walked in on us, and would threaten to tell my mother.  He used it as “blackmail” for several days after.  One night while we were eating dinner as a family he just blurted it out.
 
I can still picture myself—sitting on the curb in front of the apartment that night.  Alone.  Crying.  Scared.  Ashamed.
 
I don’t remember what my mother said about it, but I know what she didn’t say:

• What Scott did was wrong.
• I was violated.
• It was not my fault.
• I wasn’t a bad person.
• I didn’t do anything to deserve it.

 
My innocence was stolen from me…..I didn’t give it away.  It would take me forty years to begin to understand this.  Until we tell someone who can be trusted, we will believe the lies written on our hearts as children.  Meanwhile, we will leave a trail of pain and brokenness wherever we go—believing it’s who we are.”
 
Maybe you have a similar story, I’m here to tell you that you are loved. You are worthy of love and respect. You are beautiful. You are not responsible for the things done to you when you had no reason and logic. You have value and worth that can never be stolen.
 
At the CPC we care for you when experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, but we are also a source of encouragement and comfort when you’re doubting your worth because your innocence was stolen from you. Many of the staff and volunteers have been in your shoes, and believe me when I say, we’re here for you. We are that someone that can be trusted. Call or email us today if you want to know more, we can also refer you to professional counseling services in your area.
 
You are not alone. You matter, we CARE.

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