ASHLEY'S STORY
It all started in 2nd grade. I remember being in school and hanging out
with somebody named J--. I was 7, and she was 9. We became close
friends and one day she asked me if I wanted to play a grownup game. I
was young and naive, so I said yes. She took me into the bathroom and
tied me up, blindfolded me, gagged me, and molested me. I thought it
was normal and this continued for about a month until she disappeared.
That was a long time ago. Around 4th grade, one of my cousins locked me up in a room and asked me if I wanted to fight. She turned off the lights and punched, kicked, scratched, and bit me until I gave up. Eventually, she stopped but I never knew why.
Around 5th grade was when my father started to get abusive. He pulled me up by my hair and slammed me against the wall, punched me, and did many other things just to hurt me. I never understood why. When I was 13, the abuse started to become emotional. He insulted and berated me without giving a second thought. All of these events built up stress and anxiety and I searched everywhere for ways to cope, and I eventually became a drug, alcohol, and sex addict.
I'm ashamed of what happened and how I coped with it. About a year ago, I found some friends that understand what I've been through, even though they don't know the whole story. They've been there for me whenever I needed them and they've helped me get rid of all my bad habits and addictions. They introduced me to a wonderful church, and I'm so thankful for them. I don't know where I'd be without them.
That was a long time ago. Around 4th grade, one of my cousins locked me up in a room and asked me if I wanted to fight. She turned off the lights and punched, kicked, scratched, and bit me until I gave up. Eventually, she stopped but I never knew why.
Around 5th grade was when my father started to get abusive. He pulled me up by my hair and slammed me against the wall, punched me, and did many other things just to hurt me. I never understood why. When I was 13, the abuse started to become emotional. He insulted and berated me without giving a second thought. All of these events built up stress and anxiety and I searched everywhere for ways to cope, and I eventually became a drug, alcohol, and sex addict.
I'm ashamed of what happened and how I coped with it. About a year ago, I found some friends that understand what I've been through, even though they don't know the whole story. They've been there for me whenever I needed them and they've helped me get rid of all my bad habits and addictions. They introduced me to a wonderful church, and I'm so thankful for them. I don't know where I'd be without them.
