Journey Through Shadows

by Kalo
(Idaho, USA)

My abuse started when I was 3, in foster care. I was molested by my foster brother when I was five. I thought the abuse was over but it went from sexual to emotional, physical and neglect. At about 8 years old I started to be placed in a hard floored room, tied up, duct tape on my mouth and naked. No blankets, lights off, door locked. The only thing I ate was dog food every other day. If not more, I've gone up to a week or more without food. I was forced to work with no food or water in my system in the extreme heat and cold. I was beaten with horse straps, baseball bats and anything she could find. She choked my head. I was stomped on, banged against the ground, my head shoved in toilets. If I was thirsty, dragged through the house by straps tied to my legs. I was hosed off for baths, had horse and cat shit shoved in my mouth.

I'm not telling this story cuz I want sympathy. I want it to be known my story is real.

I lived with abuse my entire life and other people are living with it right now, so if one person stands up at a time and we all say enough is enough and give children and people of all ages hope and understanding that they are not alone and people really do care, hopefully we can end this nightmare forever. Because every shadow disappears when you shine a light on it. My name is Kalo, and I'm a child abuse survivor.