Sexual Abuse: A True Story of a Shroud Unveiled

But I just can’t tell. I know it was partially my fault. I really had it coming to me because I didn’t fight back hard enough. Maybe if I was prettier I would be worth something more than abuse, or maybe it was my weight? If I told, he would kill me. I’m not strong enough to go to therapy I could never do that. I can’t even talk about it, let alone face the person who abused me. It was totally my fault. 

This is a glimpse of what I hear daily from women recovering from abuse. Their voice mirrors millions of women in our country, and around the world. The mission of MIHI is to begin a dialogue with you, a discussion, in a safe and compassionate setting, to foster hope and healing and to empower you to turn from victim to survivor.

An exceedingly brave woman reached out to MIHI over six months ago for help and throughout the months that followed, I had the privilege of mentoring her. Today, MIHI would like to honor her immense courage. After years of shrouded silence, this woman stood up, and boldly broke the silence associated with abuse. Her undaunted spirit has catapulted a life changing environment for several of her family members and she endured excruciating pain and humiliation to follow through with her brave decision. No string of words could adequately describe how proud MIHI is of her.

Below is what she wrote.

I wanted to say thank you and I appreciate everything you have done for me. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have told my counselor about my abuse and I would still be living with my dad. Thanks for all of your encouragement. I owe you my life because if it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have one now. I am exceedingly grateful for all your advice and help with everything.Thanks for everything, really. You are the most courageous woman I know. Made in His Image saved my life.