I am an Adult Survivor of Child Sexual Assault. Eighteen months ago I recovered memories of being sexually assaulted for two years between the ages of 4 & 6.

My book, The Weatherboard shed, is a short story of my experiences, as well as providing helpful information and support for other survivors and their families.

I’m not sharing my story because I’m looking for sympathy or justice. Sympathy won’t change what happened, and there is no punishment that can provide true justice for offenders of child sexual assault. I’m telling my story in a hope to make more people aware that this is a real issue, the statistics are horrifying, and that so many stories go untold.

I want to reach family and friends of victims- so they have some understanding of the impact sexual assault has on a victim’s life, for their whole life! So hopefully, they are more willing and able to listen, process, and talk about these crimes.

I hope to reach other survivors- to provide them with some knowledge on the consequences of assault, to assure them they are not alone, to encourage them to disclose, and give them strength and courage to move forward in their lives.

I want to reach perpetrators- to maybe give them some insight into what they are selfishly and unlawfully stealing from their victims, and the significant impact this can have throughout their entire life.

And finally, I am writing this for me- in a hope that it will help with the healing process. I feel that if in in someway, even only a small way, I can help others, it means my battles have not been futile.