This child abuse story of healing and recovery from Shauntelle page was created January 18, 2007 and was originally posted to my stories of healing and recovery page on December 19, 2006 as story #4.
Shauntelle is from International Falls, Minnesota, USA
The following child abuse story of healing and recovery from Shantelle depicts sexual abuse.
The child abuse effects on Shauntelle: low self-esteem, feelings of being ugly, and promiscuity.
I was a happy child, until my grandfather took it all away. I remember I didn't understand why he wanted me to take my clothes off, but I did know he did not want my grandma to know. He hurt me so much, I didn't even realize until I was much older. I swore I would never let it happen to me again. But it did.
My ex-boyfriend took me for a drive. I kept saying, "No, please no." He wouldn't stop until I was in tears.
What happened to me has influenced my decisions in life more than anyone can ever know. I went with so many men, but I was a church girl so I felt incredibly guilty. I let people walk all over me and do whatever they wanted. I convinced myself I was ugly and nobody would want me or even care unless I didn't say no.
Now I am with a man who has shown me that I am a wonderful person, despite my circumstances. I am still healing and it's going to take time. I just want to say that anyone who has been abused, don't go the long way to healing. Sex, drugs and alcohol . . . they only create the illusion of happiness. You deserve so much better.
