Friday, November 30, 2012

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Thursday, November 29, 2012

11.28.12 ANONYMOUS


ANONYMOUS

I remember the day it happened, like it was yesterday. He told me that it was all normal and that we were just playing a game. He said that people did this all the time. I was 3 years old, he was 4. The game? The details don’t matter, but what does is that it was sexual and it was wrong. That was the first time I remember being sexual molested. From the time I was 3 until 18, I would be sexually assaulted by different people, some my age, others older all in the guise of the “game” I learned at 3 years of age.
It wasn’t until I was married that all of the memories flooded back. I was faced with the harsh reality that I had been abused. You see in my mind, the stories had all changed. They were stories of victory where I would defeat my opponent in this “game.” But as I had to come to terms with what had happened, the truth flooded back. I had not been victorious, I had been the victim.  However, the story does not end there.
In having to face the reality, I began to realize that I didn’t have to be the victim. I sought help to deal with the trauma, the pain. What freedom I found in recognizing that even though I had been victimized, I could overcome. Through prayer, inner healing, and daily confession of Hope, I now stand free of all of the assault. I can literally say, it has no hold on me. I am free! I encourage you to deal with what happened. Don’t be the victim, be the victory. Let your trial be you triumph. Conquer, don’t be conquered. If I can do it then you can, too! There are many resources out there and I more than anyone know the freedom there is in bringing what is hidden in darkness to light.

Share Your Story

The world is a scary place.  It is full of tragedy, terror, sadness and pain.  Everybody suffers in some form or another, whether it be physical  mental or emotional; there is suffering.  The pain and suffering I felt growing up might be different from the pain other girls and women face in their lives.  I was molested as a child by my own father, which began a cyclical downward path of abuse from other men in my life.  

Until I was around 8 years old, I felt safe.  I felt like I could trust anyone.  I felt pure and undying love from my father, until one day, he chose to turn his fatherly love for me into something tainted and impure.  His love twisted into something wicked and cruel that no one, especially a child, should have to experience.  He abused my fragile, innocent, untouched body for his own pleasure and gain, and my trust disappeared.  I no longer felt safe in my own home.  


When I shared what my father did to me with my mother, she didn't believe me.  She confronted my father about it, and he lied to her; he told her I dreamed it.  From then on, things changed.  My mother didn't look at me the same, and my father became bitter and angry with me.  The sexual abuse turned into emotional and physical abuse.  He hated me, or at least it felt that way.  He no longer asked me to sit on his lap or spend time with him.  He yelled at me, called me names, hit me and punished me for things that weren't my fault.  His hatred toward me pushed me further away from my family and into the arms of men at a very young age. 


I could go on and on about the different men in my life who I ran to for comfort and "love", but that's not the story.  The story goes like this:

My innocence was taken from me at a very young age and I have felt pain and suffering for the majority of my life because of it.  I have made decisions  I regret and have hurt many people, including myself, because of it.  But change can happen.  Change DID happen.  It is a constant upward battle, but through prayer, counseling, and healthy love from my family and peers, I have changed.  The hatred and anger I felt in my life has turned into love, the pain has turned into promise, and the tragedy from my abuse has become the foundation of a greater cause today.  The story is about TODAY.  Today I am healed.  Today I have hope. And TODAY I am using that pain and MY story to help other girls and women who have suffered from similar abuse.  
Restoration Life Foundation is a non-profit organization I organized to help free girls and women from the mental and emotional pain and suffering caused by sexual abuse.  

What is your story?  Do you suffer from the effects of sexual abuse?  Have you been freed from the emotional trauma of your abuse?  I would love to hear your story if you would care to share. Please contact Restoration Life Foundation at 1-866-350-LIFE (5433) if you would like to learn more about RLF or visti our website at www.RestorationLifeFoundation.org.  


I would like to publish your story in my monthly newsletter.  There are more people than you think who suffer from the same abuse, and it is important to help people understand that there IS hope and a beautiful life awaiting them outside of the mental trauma from their experience. 

To share your story and help change lives, email us at info@restorationlifefoundation.org . 







Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Sex Trafficking in Our OWN Backyard!



SEX TRAFFICKING IN AMERICA


Sex Trafficking Defined
Sex Trafficking occurs when people are forced or coerced into the commercial sex trade against their will.  This means at any age, any gender, anywhere.  

Sex Trafficking Facts
When most people think of sex trafficking, they think of girls or women from another country (such as Cambodia, Amsterdam or Bangkok) being sold as sex slaves.  Although it exists in those countries in staggering numbers (2 million people globally to be exact), sex trafficking is becoming more prevalent in the United States.  Yes, that’s right, in our own backyard.   

Sex Trafficking’s Impact on America
25% of all child sex tourists around the world are US citizens.  This means that these victims are taken from our country and moved to, or sold in other countries.  It is estimated that the number of children who are victims of commercial sexual exploitation in the United States reaches to 100,000 – with the average age being 14 years old.  Some victims are reported to being as young as 5 years old. 

The largest group of sexually trafficked victims in the US comes from East Asia and the Pacific (5,000-7,000).  The second largest group comes from Latin America (3,500-5000).  The victims that come from the US are either lured from internet chat rooms, bus stations, schools, group homes or malls. 

Causes of Sex Trafficking
Poverty, violence, and a lack of a quality resources and education are closely linked to those who enter into sexual exploitation.  Many of the victims are either runaways or thrown-aways.  Traffickers use their desperate circumstances to take advantage of their vulnerability, as they feel alone and scared, and need a place to stay by offering food, shelter and clothing.  In many cases, after they are lured in, the trafficker fills them with drugs and alcohol to deter them from leaving.  Not only do they pump them full of drugs, but they threaten to kill them and their families if they try to leave. 

These girls and women feel like they don’t have a voice and many of them, give up.  50% of trafficking victims are under the age of 18 years old.  2/3rds of sexually exploited children suffer from additional abuse, and 71% exhibit suicidal tendencies.  Trafficked children are also more likely to become prostitutes as adults. 

The Crux of the Matter
This is a problem.  It is a problem because our children are being victimized and forced into sexual slavery.  It is a problem because these children grow up without real families and healthy childhood memories.  They don’t play with other children, go to the prom, go on dates or have a healthy first kiss.  Their childhood is robbed from them and given unwillingly to men who purchase their bodies for sexual gain.  They are beaten, drugged, and their lives are threatened.  They feel like they have no way out and are afraid to have a voice.  More and more people are becoming aware of the horrific epidemic in the United States and are taking a stand to fight against sexual slavery.  If you know of someone who is in need of saving, please act now. 

Common signs of a sex trafficking victim include:
Multiple unexplained absences from school
Repeated tendency to run away from home
Frequent travels to other cities
Older boyfriends or girlfriends
Sudden ability to have expensive things
Appearing depressed or suffering physical injuries

PLACES TO CALL FOR HELP
Polaris Project                                        1.888.373.7888
Safe Horizon                                             1.800.621.HOPE (4763)
Restoration Life Foundation         1.866.350.LIFE (5433)