Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) - 2003

Tonight's special guest is Cindi Taylor from Saint Augustine, Florida, who says, "I am a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. I overcame 7+ yrs with determination, a positive outlook and a true willingness to help others in the same situation." Cindi's parents divorced when she was 2, and her mother remarried when she was 6. Her stepfather began molesting her by 3rd grade, 'teaching' her to fondle him. Cindi didn't realize it was wrong until she was expected to keep it secret. By 5th grade, he was 'full-on abusing' her weekly. She felt different from other kids and worried of being sent away or not believed if she told. In 10th grade, her stepfather disclosed his pedophilic behavior to a therapist. This therapist violated Cindi's privacy by telling a boy she was dating, who then told everyone at her school. For a while her mother, sister, and her moved in with relatives, and Cindi was relieved going to a new school and weekly therapy. This was short-lived though, because they moved back in with her stepfather. The abuse did not continue, but Cindi discontinued therapy and the family treated it like nothing had happened. After decades of holding in her emotions, at 37 she disclosed to her husband and began recovery. Following a therapist's advice, she wrote an email about the abuse and 'CC'd' all her family when sending it. Her mother never separated from her stepfather. After both of them had died, Cindi felt finally free of her past. She now calls herself 'A Positive Survivor'. Cindi goes on, "My purpose in life is to tell everyone my story, on every corner of the globe and make it easier to talk about. I have survived due to grit determination and by being positive 24/7. Yes I've made many mistakes but I'm still here."