Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) - 2898

Tonight's special guest is Katie Flaherty from upstate New York. "As a young girl, I experienced sexual abuse from a step relative," Katie says, "and nobody knew it was happening to me. I felt lost, confused and was instructed that this was normal. I was told to never tell anyone as this would result in serious consequences. So feeling alone was all I knew." She goes on, "Then as a teenager, I was constantly verbally abused and attempts were made sexually by a past boyfriend's father. I was told if I didn't do as I was told I would be kicked out." And she was. "I did end up homeless short-term as I refused to participate or be raped ever again. I learned how to be self sufficient and my strength grew from those experiences." Unfortunately due to her trauma, she grew up trusting nobody and ended up with a medical condition that ultimately affected her relationships as an adult. "I had to seek treatment and part of it cost well over $6,000. I felt ashamed and disgusted with myself. I attempted to take my own life a couple of times. I felt that the world would be better off without me. I couldn't even keep relationships." Then her world started to turn around. "Currently, I am taking care of myself with self love meditation, physical therapy, and opening up to others professionally and personally. I have started trusting others and accepting myself as someone who could be successful with love and relationships." In addition, Katie has found the benefit in serving other survivors to promote healing and spread awareness of sexual assault and trauma. "I never thought I would be in a place of healing and being able to accept and love myself let alone be able to share my story with the world."