We cannot solve a problem we do not recognize exists. My abuser was a female peer, close to my own age, and both of us were still children. My suffering was prolonged for months, woven into the fabric of my day-to-day life. The face of her identity — young, female — made it harder for me to identify what was happening, to get out, and to get help. I — and my parents, and the therapist they sent me to — failed to call what happened to me abuse.
Martina's story | Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse
Elise Roberts is a professional dancer, dedicated friend, and visual artist in her spare time. She is also a survivor of intimate partner violence. As a teenager, Elise experienced depression, bullying, and self-harm. You made it this far, you can keep going. Georgeta Rae is a musician, activist, and community leader.
Child sexual abuse: 'I sometimes wonder how I managed to survive'
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Read the inspiring and powerful stories of survivors of violence and abuse. Are you a survivor wanting to learn about your legal options? Visit our Justice Hotline webpage. I was first molested by a neighborhood bully at the age of And then from age 14 to 27 I was molested by a family member.