The Healing Power of Story for Child Abuse Survivors

Karen wrote her historical novel series The Texian Trilogy with a character who is abused as a segue to enabling discussions about sexual abuse.

The Healing Power of Story for Child Abuse Survivors

Child abuse is an issue that has plagued society for centuries. A survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control reveals alarming statistics: 16 percent of men and 25 percent of women among a group of well-educated and middle-class individuals admitted to experiencing childhood sexual abuse. Yet, it is amazing how recently society failed to take the sexual abuse of children seriously. It was not until 1974, with the passage of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, that states were mandated to establish reporting requirements in suspected cases.

Reflecting on this history, I recently watched a Netflix program that shed light on the sexual abuse of boys within the Boy Scouts of America. Astonishingly, 80,000 men came forward to report being sexually abused by their Scout leaders. This is a testament to the courage of survivors who chose to break their silence.

History of Child Abuse

But why write about such a grim topic from the past? An 1894 textbook titled A System of Legal Medicine reported that the “rape of children is the most frequent form of sexual crime.” These historical records force us to confront the reality that child abuse has persisted throughout human history.

Should we, then, ignore these dark chapters of our past and pretend they never happened? The answer is a resounding no. Ignoring the problem will not make it disappear. Instead, it is our collective responsibility to raise awareness and enact change. If enough people are outraged, we can pass laws and take the necessary steps to protect our children from harm.

Storytelling to Recover from Child Abuse

Amid these discussions about prevention and justice, it is crucial to consider what survivors can do to help themselves heal. One of the most challenging aspects of recovery is breaking the silence that surrounds abuse. Survivors are often made to feel like the guilty party, which can be an overwhelming burden to bear. The first step towards healing is to refuse to remain silent and to speak out about one’s experiences.

Seeking help is another vital component of recovery. Whether it is confiding in a trusted friend or consulting with a therapist, reaching out to someone who can provide support and guidance is crucial. Personally, I regret not seeking therapy sooner in my journey to healing. It is a decision that could have alleviated some of the pain and confusion I experienced for years.

However, one of the most potent tools I discovered on my path to recovery was the healing power of storytelling. Storytelling allowed me to regain a sense of control over my own narrative, something that was brutally stripped away from me during the abuse. I started with simple storytelling sessions with my best friend, where we acted out scenarios that gave me a feeling of agency and control. Later I began creating stories in my mind and documenting them in writing.

The loss of control experienced by child abuse survivors is profound. If affects not only their bodies and minds but also their very souls. This loss lingers into adulthood, casting a long shadow over their lives. Yet, through the act of storytelling, survivors can gradually regain some measure of control over their own narratives. By crafting stories, they can explore their emotions, experiences, and desires in a safe and empowering way.

In conclusion, addressing the issue of child abuse is a collective responsibility that requires us to break the silence and take action. Survivors must not suffer in silence; instead, they can seek support from trusted individuals and professionals. Additionally, embracing the healing power of storytelling can provide survivors with a means to regain control over their lives and rewrite their narratives with strength and resilience. The path to healing is challenging, but it is paved with stories of survival, courage, and resilience that inspire us all to make a difference.

Karen Lynne Klink is a writer based in Tucson. Her debut novel, At What Cost, Silence? (She Writes Press), released October 17, 2023.

AT WHAT COST, SILENCE?

Adrien Villere suspects he is not like other boys. For years, he desperately locks away his feelings and fears—but eventually, tragedy and loss drive him to seeking solace from his mentor, a young neighbor Jacob Hart. Jacob’s betrayal of Adrien’s trust, however, results in secret abuse, setting off a chain of actions from which neither Adrien’s wise sister, Bernadette, nor his closest friend, Isaac, can turn him.

At What Cost, Silence presents two contrasting plantation families in a society where strict rules of belief and behavior are clear, and public opinion can shape an entire life. Centerstage are the Villeres, a family less brutal than the Harts, but no less divisive. Often-absent Papa Paien Villere guards several secrets he has kept from everyone—including one which could destroy his entire family. Years after Jacob’s betrayal, Adrien falls hopelessly in love with his former mentor’s erotically precocious and beautiful young sister Lily—whose father has affianced her to a wealthy older man.

What will happen if Lily’s violent brother learns of Adrien and Lily’s clandestine affair? Will Adrien aid in freeing Isaac―an enslaved Black man―as promised? Will Bernadette find the unconventional life she seeks? Or will their entire world end as states secede and war creeps ever closer?

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Category: On Writing