Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) - 1183

Tonight's special guest is CeeCee James, abuse survivor and author of the best selling memoir, "Ghost No More," a child abuse true story that proves joy can be found beyond abuse. CeeCee says, "My heart is to reach other survivors with the validation that their story matters." She goes on, "Hopefully, as we connect, everyone is stronger for it moving forward." CeeCee explains, "I grew up in a world of abuse and neglect, where I bounced between being ignored and being beaten. My story is one where the length of the abuse was more severe than the actions. I didn't have a moment of happiness until I turned eighteen, and I don't say that to be dramatic." Her life was filled with shame, guilt, and fear. "The only time my mother showed me attention was when her father was interested in me. She created many opportunities to leave me alone with him from the time I was four or five," she says. CeeCee was taken by CPS and placed in foster care several times. "When I wrote "Ghost No More" I broke through the last holds the abuse had over me- namely the brain-washing that it was my fault, that I deserved it, and 'Don't tell, don't expose, don't turn on the family.' Silence is a weapon that can no longer be used to hurt me." CeeCee wants to help. "Now, I am an advocate for every adult survivor of child abuse. I don't have all the answers, only my own experiences." She concludes, "Your story matters. You matter. I'm so sorry these things happened to you. You aren't the negative words spoken over you, or the hurts inflicted upon you. You are important and worthy of love."