You are not alone

Reading about the Harvey Weinstein saga has made me think of my own life.

I was abused from a young age by three different men. I prefer not to name them or say if they were family or not. It is hard to think about my childhood much. There were aspects that were extremely happy. But there were aspects that were horrible.

Like most abuse victims, I felt I had to.hide what was happening to me. I was told by my abusers that no one would believe me and people would think I was bad. I know now that was not true.

I think about Weinstein’s victims. Most were successful actresses. Most were well off financially. Weinstein was a powerful man who had great influence. His victims were a lot like me when I was a child. Scared. Confused.

I also think about the millions of women who are abused or were abused. I hope they have a good support system. I hope they know that they were not at fault because the only person who is at fault is the abuser. That is the one who should have to carry the shame and guilt of the abuse.

If you are being abused or have been abused, please talk to someone. People will believe you. People will care.