*deep breath*

[dreamer_easy]

I'm Kate, and I'm a survivor of child sexual abuse.

No pity. No shame. No silence.

My parents are absolute *legends*. When a neighbour began to abuse me at the age of six, they quickly worked out something was wrong, believed me when I told them, and called the police. I can only imagine the emotional hell they must have gone through, and yet they shielded me completely. Thanks to their quick intervention and their careful handling of the situation, as far as I and my various shrinks can tell, I've suffered no harmful effects at all. I'm extraordinarily lucky and I'll always be grateful to Mum and Dad. They're my heroes.

My abuser was found guilty largely on the basis of my testimony. He picked the wrong victim in that talkative, articulate, bright, and beloved little girl.

This meme has travelled all over the net. Other people who have put it in their blogs etc have suffered much more than I did and shown much greater bravery than I. If you're ready to join in, just borrow the first two lines above. If you're not ready, believe me, I understand.