Child Abuse - Neverending Cycle Ended

by Rosemary H
(Arizona, USA)

When I was three my father fondled me. When I was six I was kidnapped. At nine I was Raped repeatedly then at fourteen I was raped again. During my marriage I had four children. I was protective to the extreme. But I found a way to break the cycle of terror. I now recognize why it could have happened and how. In my case my mothers ignorance took much of the credit. She herself was abused. But in her time children being abused was an acceptable practice. That does not mean it was right in the minds of those being abused. But for her there would be no help. She suffered greatly. And found an outlet through marriage. I feel if my mother had gotten help she would have made a better parent. She became an alcoholic. And so did I. I am in recovery now and therapy as well. My diagnosis? PTSD, Major depression, and anxiety. But through the years I have taught my children how to protect their children. It's not enough to worry about them. We as parents must always know where and with who our children are. And never once think they are safe. And no matter how many times you tell them not talk to strangers...they will. I try to give an example of how it feels to know you are about to die. I say in all seriousness. Stick your hand in a live wire socket till it lets you go. That feeling of shock, confusion, and a total disconnection with life is what it feels like. Imagine your child feeling that. Then maybe we will fear for our children and watch them closer.