A Child Called ‘It’

Childhood should be carefree, playing in the sun; not living a nightmare in the darkness of the soul.

Economic and social changes have pushed the family to its limit and made child abuse more likely. If society is to come to grips with the problem, it must be exposed. Once exposed, the causes of child abuse can be understood and support can truly begin.

I might not be what I am today. Because of the darkness in my childhood, I have a deep appreciation for life. I was fortunate enough to turn tragedy into triumph. This is my story.

For years I was confined to the darkness of my own mind and heart, being alone and a pitiful “loser”. At first I wanted nothing more than to be like others, but that motivation grew. I wanted to become a “winner”.

Some child abuse victims stay quietly locked in their shells. They look the other way, believing that by not acknowledging their past it will go away. They seem to believe that above all Pandora’s Box must stay closed.

On any given day, some adult who is the victim of a dark past of child abuse may vent his or her pent-up frustrations on society or on those he or she may love.

Many child abuse victims hide their past deep inside, so deep that the possibility of becoming an abuser themselves is unthinkable.

“Love you Dad.”

“Love you too, son.”

I’m free.

Unfortunately, there are those among the uninformed public who believe that most abuse is nothing more than parents exerting their “right” to discipline their children and letting it get a little out of hand. These same people may believe that over-discipline is not likely to follow the child into adulthood. They are tragically misinformed.

I kneel down wrapping my arms around Stephen’s shoulders. Without hesitation, he leans his head back and gives me a kiss. “Love you, Dad.”