This issue focuses on describing in further detail the purpose of this website, its intended audience, and goes in deeper depth with how this website works and its structure.

“You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice.”

-Bob Marley

               Pain comes in many forms and on many levels. Although that moment of immense pain is in the past, it may still haunt us. For those who are survivors of child abuse, the past never really goes away. Child abuse is one thing that marks you (both physically and mentally) for the rest of someone’s life. I would know, seeing as I am a survivor of child abuse.

Our Stories

               Being vulnerable is scary, to say the least. We fear being judged. Well, this is me being vulnerable. Vulnerable in ways that are still sometimes terrifying. Survivors of abuse are subjected to negative labels: “weak”, “naïve”, “dramatic”, the list goes on. But is it weak to go through immense trauma and make it out alive? Is it naïve to trust that your closest family members have your best interest at heart? Is it dramatic to still be marked by a past so dark that even now, or 10 years into the future, you are still recovering?

               These labels, and the fear of judgement, are what causes abuse to be left unheard. Its what causes the abused to stay silent, especially kids. About 1 in 7 children in America experience some form of abuse per year (CDC, 2025). That means that more than 618,000 children are being abused every year. Many cases go unheard of. Around 55% of children who are experiencing abuse in Florida alone are on their second report of abuse. These statistics UNDEREPRESENT the actual number of victims, seeing as many cases aren’t reported. From the cases that are reported, they’re usually reported by teachers since they are legally obliged to do so. Yet, most teachers tend to report this when visible marks are shown. Yes, looking at a child with a black eye is a major indicator of abuse. But it’s not always that obvious (usafacts.org, 2022).

               Abuse varies. Emotional, psychological, physical, sexual, medical, the list goes on… Many children do not talk to others about their abuse because of fear from their abusers or of others. Even if anonymously talked about, most are not likely to understand. This website was made to be a safe place for these kids to share their stories. Not only share them but find the resources that they need.

               As a victim of abuse myself, I never had the resources or knowledge to speak out. This caused the abuse to last over 11 years. I was lucky to have even made it out. Many aren’t. I want to help guide others into seeing that they are not alone. I was lucky enough to find a passion under all that pain.

               Not many kids publicly share their stories. Maybe 20 years later, they do. But what about now? How many testimonies from current children are out there for other kids to see? Not many. I’ve checked. Hopefully, this website will change that.

How It Works

              Under the Testimonies page, kids can use their names, fake names, or initials to share their own unique stories. If not accessible, under the Contacts page, the official email address of this website can be found. THIS FORM IS NOT TO BE USED TO REPORT ABUSE. There are multiple helplines listed under the Resources page. Many stories will have trigger warnings.

               This story will be publicly posted under the Testimonies page for other kids to see. If art is more your forte, use the email address under Contacts to send poems, or other forms of artwork, to me to be posted under the Gallery page.

Issues

               Although I am still figuring out a schedule, these issues will most likely be posted once ever week or two. These issues may cover laws pertaining to children and their abusers, the different kinds of abuse, mental health, and more. Depending on what others may request, those issues may be featured.

Final Thoughts

               As this issue concludes, I want everyone who may be reading this to know that they are not alone. No matter what you may be going through, abuse or not, there are millions just like you. The next few issues will most likely go more in depth on specific kinds of child abuse. And for those of you out there that are like me, you are NOT a victim. YOU ARE A SURVIVOR.