I was emotionally, physically, and sexually abused by my stepbrother for three years. The rapes and beatings started daily when I was 9 years old.

He threatened to kill my mom if I told anyone, and since he had shown me how much of a monster he is, I believed him.

The only reason it ended was because I got pregnant after my very first period. He wouldn’t touch me after that.

With my household being full of abusers and addicts, I decided to follow through with the pregnancy and give my baby up for adoption. While that felt harder than the abuse itself, I know I made the right decision.

My abuser was arrested for statutory rape but was only given community service because I was too afraid to testify. I was only 12. I didn’t know better. Afterwards, I had to endure him being at all holidays and birthdays for the next decade until my mom eventually cut ties.

I’m so proud of myself for surviving. Happily. Proudly. Bravely.

Who I am now is someone who would’ve protected me then.