I was raised in a physically and verbally abusive home. Being physically manhandled, hit with open and closed hands, belts, shoes, boards anything that was within arms reach.

At the age of seven, I remember this specific incident like yesterday. I stood up for my sister and took blame for something she had broke in the house, she was 12 at the time.

I was afraid for her and what she would experience. I took that beating, left with welts across my back and so sore I was unable to sleep.

It was the first time I never cried and never did again at his hands. 7 years old.

I have suffered trauma my entire life.

Anxiety, P.T.S.D and Tramatic Stress.

Today I am a Violence Prevention Specialist working with adults and children in making them aware of the reality of violence and how it needs to be managed.

I made my life’s trauma into something positive for myself and the many peoples lives I touch.