Written by a survivor participating in Grow Free TN’s As You Are Program
When I started this program I felt like I didn’t belong. For so long I kept what happened in my earlier years a secret. None of my family or friends actually know about the trafficking or sexual assault(s) that happened to me.
I was the strong one. How could I show weakness if I’m keeping everyone else sane and together?
Through this As You Are program I’ve been able to break down what happened to me and truly begin to heal. When I came to jail I had a plan to get help – to be the best version of myself I knew I was capable of being; and I truly feel like I’m beginning to see that.
A lot of what I had been through I had put in the back of my mind. I blamed myself for being naive. But now I have acceptance and awareness, and I feel okay talking about it with others without shame. I’ve learned none of us are truly alone in our struggling and we can/do have true sisterhood in our traumas.
I want to turn my horror story into a beautiful testimony to help others. When I get out, I want to get some type of training in counseling. I know God gave me a voice to help others and that’s what I’ll do.
I want to thank everyone for helping with the As You Are program – you are saving lives, one jail at a time!