About Me

My name is Darlene Barriere. You might be wondering what is it about me that qualifies me to create this website.

I remember what it felt like to be blamed for being a victim of child abuse. Society paid no attention since the abuse wasn't...life-threatening. Or so people thought. There were times when my life was in danger. People believed my mom and dad were "good parents" because they disciplined us. The trouble is, their version of discipline was beyond harsh; it was cruel and sometimes malicious.

So I started child-abuse-effects.com because, as a survivor of child abuse, I recognize how important it is to understand what child abuse really is. And how paramount it is to stop blaming yourself.

I know on a personal level how critical to healing sharing our stories can be.

And I believe that my own story, what I endured as a child, can have purpose by helping survivors with their own healing.

Some History:

I grew up in an extremely violent home where I witnessed domestic violence almost daily. The abuse led to long-term effects that almost cost me my life . . .

»  At over 300 pounds, I wasn't considered overweight, I wasn't even considered obese, my doctor charted me with morbid obesity.

»  Compulsive overeating made food my drug of choice.

»  Then the eating disorders of anorexia nervosa and bulimia made food my enemy.

»  Psychotherapy saved me from myself.

As the years progressed, I incorporated the tools and resources I learned in therapy. I grew in leaps and bounds as a person.

As an author, I've written several books, the first of which was my own story. I published my memoir in order to bring hope to others who have suffered the devastating, sometimes lifelong effects of child abuse and to offer a way for them to walk their own unique path of healing and recovery.

My own personal healing path:

I continue to walk my own personal healing path. A path that has a mind, body and spirit connection. I've incorporated nutritional eating, fitness and yoga, meditation, gratitude and spirituality each and every day.

And as I walk along my path, I also share my thoughts, inspirations, trials and tribulations on my blog posts. I hope you'll visit me regularly on this site for new stories and information.

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References

NOTE: Information pages on this site were based on material from the Canadian Red CrossRespectED Training Program. Written permission was obtained to use their copyrighted material on this site.

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About Me page updated Feb 17, 2017