Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) - 2610

Tonight's special guest is Tara Flynn from Naugatuck, Connecticut, the younger of two children and who were raised by a single mother. "The father of the children that I babysat for abused me," Tara says. "The abuse occurred over the summer of 2002 between the ages of 14 and 15. I continued babysitting for the family, thinking it was my fault, keeping the dark secret between him and I. Guilt, shame, fear. I felt it all and nothing, at the same time." Now she's changed. "I see how valuable it is for people to put a face to a survivor and be able to relate." Tara explains, "What truly started my healing journey was when my perpetrator was released from prison and off parole and I learned that there were no protections in place. I reached out to a local sexual assault counselor and started seeing her. After about a year, I gained the courage to join 'Jane Doe No More'. There I became part of a family of truly incredible survivors that have help me in more ways than I can mention, throughout the years. They taught me how to share my story. Healing is not a sprint it is a marathon. And I am in it every day." She continues, "I am now an Outreach member with 'Jane Doe No More'. JDNM has been instrumental in my healing. I also co-chair the advocacy committee, where we work on legislation, community & SAAM events, and anything to help advocate for survivors. I work with survivors to share their stories, advance their healing, and help educate others. I have shared my story with anyone who will listen."