Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) - 2583

Tonight's special guest is Wendy Jay from Iowa, whose child abuse started at about 4 years old and lasted through her mid-teen years. Raped at 15, she was first given alcohol by her abuser. "I became a drug addict later," she says. "I suffered suicidal thoughts constantly. I wrote morbid poetry and I was impulsive and homeless. I gained attention and love through sex. I had little value for myself. I started my healing in a treatment facility." She continues, "I actually had moved out and into my mom’s house around 13. From 11-13 I usually spent the night elsewhere so I wasn’t home to be abused. I took on other family’s traits trying to be normal, and wanted to be anywhere but my home. From 13-15 at my moms, I learned to forgive and thought maybe my perpetrator was mentally off. I begin to trust him and even say I love you, because he was my father and I wanted a normal father. Then one night he gave me a bunch of alcohol which I thought was cool, and when I became incredibly intoxicated, he raped me. I never forgave him again, though I have tried through God’s grace. My mom found out after reading my diary and kicked me out at 14." Her life has gotten better. "I’ve definitely struggled through the years but I learn to talk about it and not to be ashamed! I learned it wasn’t me. Luckily today I am a recovering addict, with an amazing husband, and 3 kids. I am blessed to stay home. I still battle depression and insecurities. My kids are never alone with any family members or friends. I’m always on high alert, I don’t want my kids to ever feel the way I have and continue to do at times."