Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) - 2150

Tonight's special guest is Sherry Genga from Marlborough, Connecticut, an abuse survivor and author. Sherry grew up in a house full of domestic violence. Being the youngest of four children, she learned to adapt to her environment. Sherry wrote a book, 'The Shattered Oak; one woman's journey of domestic abuse, mental illness and recovery,' which is the story of 'Barbara,' a victim of domestic violence. "The more I share Barbara's story," she says, "the more I see a strong perspective of healing the delicate minds that are so unbalanced." It's based on a true story about her mother. Sherry's mother, Barbara, married young, after finally finding peace away from her abusive family. That marriage, turning dysfunctional and resulting in a divorce, caused Barbara to go into a deep depression and a nervous breakdown. Barbara attempted suicide three times and was committed to a mental institution. After a year confined in the institution, a “mystery savior” (from the book) helps Barbara get released. Sherry struggled with own feelings during this time, battling depression and suicidal thoughts in her teens. Her sister, at the age of 18, became Sherry's legal adult while Sherry's mother was in the institution. As Sherry states, “I found my self-help by writing in a journal. My pen became my own therapist to get through the crazy times." She goes on, "I do not hold any grudges from my childhood. If anything, I am strong, independent, and think very positively. Something I feel I inherited from my father's preaching. Ever since I was a teenager, I felt my mother's story should be turned into a book or movie.”