…about THIS.
This Associated Press article has broken my heart and I can not keep silent for another moment.
(Trigger Warning for survivors of childhood sexual abuse [THIS] and those who love and support them in their path to healing and wholeness.)
There are quite a few things that I get angry about and yell into the void of my car about or rant to my support circle about — those things are not THIS.
THIS!?
THIS causes me to want to burn it all to the ground -- the whole institution -- every patriarchal piece and every disgusting excuse for why victims aren't the most important part of this work we are here to do.
There is no "love thy neighbor" if church representatives are using phrases like "did not report" and "money grab" in their talk about the victims.
For THIS I would stand on every rooftop and shout until not one more child would have to endure this terrifying torture in the name of "repentance" or "image" or "covenants" or "priesthood".
THIS is horrific, heinous, and absolutely not what the Gods and Jesus I believe in would tolerate for a moment — millstone+neck+sea — and all that.
There is no possible excuse for why reports can't be made about THIS and therefore children, youth, women, & the marginalized could be protected AT ALL COST!!!
Your great white churchy old ass is not more important than the life and souls of those who have endured so much in the name of your great white churchy old ass. THIS is not ok.
As a surviver of THIS who was not much older than the child in this story — my wounded inner child deserved a chance to speak, be heard — and most of all, be protected from THIS and those who attempt to hide it’s vile atrocities. She is why silence can not have a space here.
My soul is gutted and my shelf -- barely hanging on by a thread of hope.
I could yell some more, read more stories and tear down the wall of shame and blame, but what it boils down to is…
I want my voice to be heard on the side of the victims.
Always.
Mormon leaders cover up sexual abuse.
An incredibly wonderful foundation to support those who have suffered from childhood sexual abuse is Saprea. They have an amazing free retreat for women that has been instrumental in my healing.
