Comment by Hannah on 01 Dec 2009 at 9:56 pm

Dear Karen,

I know you are probably busy all the time but if you could what would you like to do in regards to further helping abused girls around the world? I believe you have valuable knowledge to share. I believe Richard Baer should help you achieve the purpose of your sharing your story. I don’t mean to sound not in a well meaning kind of way but really, you took such a great risk to share your past to help others. Your blog is amazing, you are amazing. I think Richard Baer did a great job with you but what does he do to continue to help you? A book is great but the reason behind the book is the focus. Keep talking, Karen. Richard, help her. I hear all these stories about abused girls and every time I think of you. You are powerful whether you think so or not. Thank you.

Hannah K.

Georgia

Dear Hannah,

Thank you for sharing. I want to be a strong voice that helps those who have been abused. It is my wish to encourage hope through sharing my story. No one needs to suffer alone. There are so many valuable lessons to share to help the abused. Many years ago, especially during my child hood years, the public didn’t know much about child sexual abuse. If I had heard anything as a child on television, or in school, I would’ve learned that the abuse I suffered was wrong.

If only the adults in my life, including the nuns at Catholic school, would’ve paid attention to the signs that were clearly visible. If only knowledge was provided without shame. If only people knew what to watch for, I might have been saved. But no, no one spoke of it, no one reported suspected abuse, and worse, I was led to believe I deserved to be abused because I was told I was evil and bad.

Knowledge is the key. The more we share our pain with each other the more awareness we can provide to stop future child abuse. It is my hope that all adults pay attention to all our children. I believe children have a way of communicating through their expressions that say, “I am being abused; please help me!”

Thank you for your concerns and for caring.

Karen