When I was 10 my dad hit me with a belt until I had bruises because I was a ‘bad kid’. For 11 years I thought that was completely normal & I deserved it. But I know now that what he did was wrong. At the same time as my father was beating me, my mother was an undiagnosed sufferer of bipolar disorder. I was a constant witness of the ups and downs that bipolar can cause. I often talked her out of suicide.

 The worst part about child abuse that comes from the parent is that the child totally and completely trusts you, so when you say “You deserve this” they believe you. They internalize that, and carry it with them for the rest of their lives. 

 What advice would you offer to encourage others?

 There is help. There is hope. I can promise you it will get better. 

• Jasmine, Survivor