Sarah’s Story

From the ages of 12-16, I was sexually abused by my stepfather. Recently, I was the Hero for Kids Honoree and Keynote Speaker for my local Child Abuse Prevention Center Luncheon in Poughkeepsie, New York. This was the first time I publicly shared my story.

I shared my story because there is pain in secrecy. I shared my story because my stepfather had taken so much from me already and I refuse to let him take my future too. It is an empowering feeling to have the hurt lifted off of your shoulders Take the blame and shame off of yourself and put it where it is due. There is freedom in speaking up and speaking out, there is power in belief.

Sarah’s story is below.

This Spotlight Story was shared via our Share Your Story feature, through which survivors can offer their experiences as a source of insight, support, and ultimately hope for the community. In order to create a safe and supportive community for all our readers, we do not share the names of perpetrators or the specifics of court cases. All posts are reviewed prior to posting, must adhere to Darkness to Light’s guidelines for appropriate content, and may have been edited for length.