As many of you know, I am a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. I'm also a survivor of being raised a JW. I'm ALSO a survivor of dealing with sex abuse AS a JW...LOL. Anyway, due to help from some friends that I've made on this board, I have the opportunity to go to the SilentLambs March in NYC later this month.
My point in posting this is to ask you to share in celebrating with me the strides made by so many who have been damaged by the WTS, whether due to sexual abuse or not. Pain is pain, plain and simple. I feel excited and, at the same time, a bit humbled, to know that I will be joining with others to do something concrete to express our pain and anger towards those who have victimized us. Most importantly, to me anyway, is that this will serve notice that we are aware there are many still suffering from the WTS's policy regarding the (non)reporting of child abuse.
I suppose that what I would really like to communicate here is what I am feeling at the prospect of being a part of this venture. So many of us have been hurt in so many ways by this religion...some, like Sentinel, have lost their families, and their pain is immediate and fresh...some, like Expatbrit and HadEnough, live with the shadow and threat of losing loved ones, with the possibility of pain on the horizon...some, like Outnfree, are redefining who they are post-WTS, some, otoh,like Think41self are lucky to have a wonderful, beautiful, sexy sister...er...sorry, I got off track! . My point is that, for me personally, this march isn't just about the pain of sexual abuse victims, it's a loud roar for ALL who have suffered.
At any rate, I'm very excited to be a part of giving the Lambs a public voice; it's been a long road for me and I've learned so much, especially in the past year. I've done a lot of growing, I've done a lot of hurting, and I've done a lot of healing. So...let's party on dudes!!
Dana