From the age of 3 to 17 years I was exposed to things that no child should ever be exposed to. Violence, neglect, theft and child sexual exploitation. All my childhood I tried to expose these men that had such a hold over me, but I was always shut down. “SHUT UP SAMANTHA!”“YOU DON’T NEED TO TALK SAMANTHA!” “YOU HAVE A BIG MOUTH SAMANTHA!” I constantly felt misunderstood throughout my childhood; it was like I was talking but nothing was coming out. I would scream, shout, smash things up, fight and run away. I needed a voice! My two older brothers groomed me from a very early age. One of them controlled me through love, and the other through fear. I now know how crazy this may sound to some people, but grooming is a long process and it doesn’t just happen overnight. I saw a side to them that no one else could see. I saw them broken, beaten on the floor, I saw them cry, I saw them unloved and misunderstood. They took the blame for me, so I didn’t get punished, they stole for me, so I didn’t have to, they loved, cherished and took care of me, when no one else would.
Anyone who read this and is not outraged at social services, Drs, schools, police officers….the community should be ashamed. I don’t think hell is worse than what Sam went through. How she found strength solely on her own with a few good friends along they way is remarkable. Raised wonderful children broke the cycle of abuse on her own. Can find forgiveness to go on and help others. This is the most tragic yet compelling book I have ever read. I pray the rest of Sam’s life has more peace than anyone deserves. Sam truly does need peace in her mind body and soul. Thank you for sharing what must have been heartbreaking to relive and truly unselfish to help others.
The lack of support and safety for a child, left me feeling really angry and upset.
I’m sorry, you had to go through all this as a child and an adult, all those missed chances. I can’t imagine how you felt! 😔
You are a very strong person and not many people I know would be able to handle things like you did. This story was hard to read, but I felt like I needed to carry on to the end for you.
The book was so well written and I loved Samantha and her strength.
I was diagnosed with many things before I finally found two trauma therapists who gave me the truth of PTSD! It is hard coming to terms with that but to then have Chronic fatigue thrown at you, yeah it isn't easy and I know because I have been diagnosed with somethings similar which have left me unable to have the life I have ddreamed about, hang in there, every day will get better.
A stolen life yet to live is the most unforgettable sin .
This book kept me in tears . Yet I could not wait to pick it up again . The strength to go day by day and live through such terrible sexual abuse at the age of 3 . Then for it to continue to over 20 some years . So many missed opportunities for someone to help . .Sam never gave up .This story will remain with me for ever .
Its sad that children go through things like this and don't know how to tell someone especially at such a young age. But its really BAD when they do tell someone and that person does nothing to help. My wish is it never happens to another child but that's only wishful thinking. I just PRAY that if a child tells you what's happening to them you do something to help that precious child
This story was so moving, sad, and overwhelming at times. I am so thrilled that she is getting the help that she has needed for so long. How her own brothers could do this to an INNOCENT child is UNBELIEVABLE!!!. I think they both should have their peckers CUT OFF!!.
A powerful story . Great read . It makes me so angry to read these stories . How a family can disregard what a child is saying is unfathomable. Listen to our children ..........
Great but difficult read at times due to situations what this courageous lady endured. I tip my hat to you for how you've turned your life around continue with the great support for fellow survivors all the best.
So sad, but so powerful! Sam’s strength is inspiring. I wish just one person would have listened. They had every chance to help her. Just one person could have saved her. So sad.
Shocking, heartbreaking Samantha is a strong woman raped from childhood by her brothers gang raped by strangers and never believed. This book will always stay with me
A book that you don't want to put down. I did cry a few times for her and that no one wanted to listen to her. That's all I'm going say so I won't give to much up.