Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) - 1558

Tonight's special guest is Ashley Nicole from Cincinnati, Ohio, a child sexual abuse survivor who was assaulted by multiple predators, inside her family and out. After being molested by a male relative at around the age of 4, she was removed from her biological family and placed with a Christian family, a Pastor, his wife and their two biological sons. For 5-6 years, Ashley lived a relatively normal life, although, she never understood why she never saw her biological family again. At 12 her adoptive father, a well known Pastor and community leader, had a heart-to-heart with her. He told her that he loved her very much and would never hurt her in the same manner in which she was hurt before. But shortly he took advantage of that trust and began molesting and sexually abusing her. This went on until Ashley was 19 years old. She did not tell her mother while it was happening, but did disclose it once she moved out permanently. It took Ashley 10 years to be able to openly disclose that her adoptive father had molested her. A week later her adoptive father was found dead. The police said that he died from an accidental self-inflicted gun shot wound to the chest, but Ashley believes it was his choice. Since the death of her father, she's made it her mission to be an advocate for those who struggle with breaking their silence, dealing with the aftermath of that choice and finding hope again. "My experiences with sexual abuse lasted for a very long time, the majority of my life," Ashley says. "This is what fuels my passion." Now Ashley's a dedicated anti-child abuse advocate, and author of the book 'Be Brave.' She says, "No matter how long it has been going on or how deep it may wound you, you can heal, be whole and live a great life."