Speaking loudly is necessary when silence is not effective.

Growing up in the '60s, I seldom heard about physical or sexual abuse. It wasn't talked about in my home or within the more prominent family. I had no idea what domestic violence was until I saw it at an acquaintance's home. It wasn't because it wasn't happening. It was like many other secrets- kept silent.

I've countless memories of sexual assaults happening to girls I knew in school and two of my own. One friend reported hers; she wasn't believed as her abuser was "a good boy."  Her treatment of not being believed closed the door on the other four speaking.

In my 20s, I was assaulted again by a member of law enforcement, and my safety and that of my son were threatened if I spoke up. I didn't.

I apologize to women everywhere for staying silent.

Abusive patterns continued in my life. Again I stayed silent. In 2015 I began doing a program called Lifepath Manifesting, created by @Lianashanti, which has changed my life. During the 12 weeks, memories began appearing. Memories of incest within my extended family, sexual abuse outside my family, and a realization of lost periods of time.  These events happened from the late '50s through the '60s. Patterns of abuse continued for years in relationships I chose to be in.

Here we are in 2023. Children are continuing to be abused. Suppose a protective parent speaks up and brings forth their children's abuse in the Family Court. In most cases, the abuse is often not allowed into evidence. If it is, there is a good chance the protective parent will lose custody of their kids. In the Family Court, you're usually punished or silenced for bringing abuse up. The court continues to show it doesn't care about abuse.

What irks me the most is the number of associate workers (psychiatrists, psychologists, court evaluators, therapists, and social workers) in the Family Court system who are not protecting children. A high female workforce and they are harming children. I was a therapist for many years, and I know of only 2 kids who lied about mistreatment. Truthfully, research shows that less than 4% of kids lie about being abused. Yet, the court and those who work within it do not listen or protect children but react by increasing time or sending them to their abusers, reunification camps (the last place any child needs to be), or terminating the protective parent's rights.

Those in the Family Court system need mandated training in coercive control, domestic violence, post-separation abuse, and signs of childhood sexual abuse as well as generational patterns. I understand the system is flawed, and those in the courts have unhealed trauma, but enough is enough. They all need to be encouraged to take @lianashanti's Healing Mother Wound, Father Wound, and Healing from Narcissism courses.

Enough. Speak up. Silence has only allowed for more abuse. It all needs to end.
If you have experienced family abuse, coercive control/abuse, or your children have, check out www.exposingfamilyabuse.com. It is a great place to share your story. What has happened needs to be told? Children's lives depend on it. Hold the systems accountable.

Also, check out the programs for more information on healing family trauma, divorce coaching and protecting your children, and numerous ways to fully heal

@familycultrecovery

@thelightkeeperfoundation

@protectiveparentconsulting

@mensempowermentcoach

@lianashanti

@addictionfreedommethod

#trauma @sexualabuse #familycourt #narcissism #coercivecontrol #domesticviolence #sexualassault #sexualabuse #protectiveparent