Molestation within the African American community is a difficult topic to discuss. It makes many of us uncomfortable and it's probably because most victims know their abuser. We are likely to deny, hide and refuse to acknowledge or discuss this subject within our community. Today parents teach their children that if someone touch them in an inappropriate way that they need to tell. There are also many support groups and many celebrities that told their stories to encourage conversations about it.
Statistics state that 1 in 5 girls are sexually molested. However boys are not immune. The statistics for boys show that one in 20 will be sexually assaulted. Unfortunately , many boys or men will suffer in silence about being sexually abused due to the stigmas and myths surrounding the topic. Recently I started my blog and movement on how I overcame molestation. It happened during the age of 10-12 by someone very close to me. I have discovered that it's a generational curse and that the family doesn't talk about it if they even know. I often ask the question "why me" but I don't dwell on it like I use to. It's something I'll never forget but I was ready to heal and I took the proper steps in life to do so. I make sure my children know the difference in a good and bad touch. My life has been impacted in many ways that you could imagine which stemmed from being molested as a child. I suffer from anger, severe depression, social anxiety, loneliness, among other things. I was 19 when I decided I seek professional help. It is important that victims of child abuse receive therapy and join others in educating and influencing their communities to acknowledge and talk about sexual abuse. This is why I began the movement iSurvived so that I can help and encourage others to seek help and heal from their scars. The healing process from my own experience of molestation has been long and challenging at times. It has taken countless years, prayers, meditation, and educating myself on sexual abuse and the support from my family and friends to get to this place. I’ve forgiven my abuser, not out of sympathy for him, but so I may be released from the burden of carrying such a heavy weight. I’ve also forgiven myself for allowing that experience to hold me back from fully enjoying life. I often tell people that we need to start discussing it and healing. Speaking about these situations can be therapeutic and inspire others.Whether you speak on this issue in confidence with a professional or someone trustworthy, it is challenging but very important to discover and recognize the feelings of betrayal, shame, guilt, and anger.Acknowledging the transgressions made upon your body supports your healing so that you can move forward with having a healthy relationship with yourself. It can also assist you in dealing with sexual issues and relationship problems. “You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection” ~Buddha
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