Hi - Survivor of Child Sexual Abuse

[Chari]

My nickname is Chari (pronounced Sherry). My very first memory is of being raped by my uncle. The overt sexual abuse continued with my uncle and my father until I was six. The incident that did the most damage happened two days before my sixth birthday. They gave me LSD and took me to a party where they sold me and I was forced to make pornography with adults. A man at the party used a razor blade to carve his name into the skin on my stomach. Several of the women held my down and a bandana was stuffed into my mouth to stifle my screams. I still have the scar, nearly 41 years later. I also have PTSD and major issues with trust. I take psych meds to control negative emotion overload: anger, depression, and fear. I've also studied psychology. I've near completed an MS degree. The coursework is done and my thesis is written, I just have to get through the approval/final revision process yet. I work in mental health and find it helpful to be able to apply all I have learned to listen, to take another's perspective, and to be a positive presence, helping as possible. I want to write a book after I earn my graduate degree. I've got a few good friends and I am close to one of my sisters. My psychiatrist and therapist are both helpful.

[Seeking_Nirvana]

Hi Chari and welcome to the forum.

Tammy

[linasmom]

Hi Chari,

Welcome to the forum!

Best,
Rachel

[sandy9]

Hi Chari,

I am just new here too.
I must say you are the most strongest person to achieve all that you have.
I too am a survivor of child sexual abuse.
I have just started getting help this year at the age of 35.
I feel I have missed out on my whole life.
And now I want to start to live, I feel overwhelming terror with everything I do.
Reading your journey makes me believe I can do this, I jsut have to not give up!
Its so easy to say, of course.
But you have given me hope thank you!
Welcome to you and to me, to this forum Chari!
Sandy9

[Chari]

Thanks for the greetings, and Sandy9 you have already demonstrated courage and healing. Identifying abuse, calling it what it was, seeking support, and resolving to address the issues in your life, are not at all insignificant steps. Some people never succeed in being that honest. Best wishes to all of you for your wellbeing.

[sunnydaze]

Chari,
Woe, what a way to grow up. I am proud of you for your successes in life. Keep up the good work and welcome
sunnydaze

[Chari]

Thanks. I hope to draw upon my experience and use what I have learned to make a positive contribution that others can use.