I was abused by my dad starting when I was still a toddler. About 3 years old. It started out mild such as harder spanks and smacks than normal.

Then when I was in my childhood almost every day was about survival. I was hit in the back with a wooden board. Beaten to the ground. Basically everything that my dad could come up with he would do for no rhyme or reason.  Other than I was a stupid kid. It wasn’t just physical, it was emotional abuse as well. I remember being told I would not amount to anything worthwhile daily from him. I rationalized it thinking every father does this. It didn’t take too long when I hit my teens to realize that is not the case. This is abuse and its illegal behavior.

What advice would you offer to encourage others?

Don’t ever rationalize abuse it is sick and it is wrong. And if you are in a situation like this. Run and get your school and police involved.

• Jesse, Survivor