"You're gonna hear me ROAR." Child Abuse Prevention Month

April is Childhood Abuse Prevention Month. And this is a cause that means a lot to me. Because those who know even some of my story know that I was abused as a child. And that I speak up for any type of injustice towards children, because it's not right. AT. ALL. 

No one ever should have to go through that. Especially not a child. Sometimes it's by family members. Sometimes it's by close friends. Most of the times, it is someone that the child knows. Usually very well. 

It is NOT always physical. Sometimes it's psychological or verbal. And it is the worst thing to ever have to endure as a child who is trying to learn how to cope in this world. 

My heart goes out to all the children stuck at home right now. When home is NOT their safe place. Where they can't go to their safe places which may have been school or a friend's house or the park or all of those places. 

So yes keep your social distance, but if you notice anything. Anywhere. Speak up!! Be the advocate for the child. It's always better safe than sorry. 

The signs may not be physical, but they can still be detected. 

I will never ever forget the power I felt the day I could finally look in my abuser's eyes and say "I don't have to stay here. I can walk out." 

As a child I could not do that. I felt like I had no voice. I was scared. I kept quiet. I covered up so very much. And it did nothing to help my mental health. At all! 

I was forced to have to make very big decisions and choices for a little person. And a lot of times I just crawled into my shell and hid.

The day I looked my "attacker" in the eye and said flat out to that person, "You don't control me. I will not and never will again play these games. I get to choose whether you are truly in my life or not." It was like I was singing:

"I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter

Dancing through the fire

'Cause I am a champion, and you're gonna hear me roar."

at the top of my lungs. And reader, it felt so very good! And just so you know I didn't have the courage to say that until I was in my 20's. So for years I endured stress and trauma from this person, and the impact they had on my mental and emotional health. 

I will always, always stand up and fight for this. No child should be treated so poorly. EVER!


So be the voice for the children who can't speak up. Show them there is still people who love and care about them in this world. And that not everyone is a monster. 

And shout out to all the teachers who made the classroom my safe place! You know who you are ;)

Don't be afraid. Get out there and roar. Speak up for justice. For the children.