Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) - 2685

Tonight's special guest is Michelle Goetsch from Los Angeles, California, a child abuse survivor who shares that she was 6 years old the first time saw semen. "My step-father took off my underwear," she says, "rubbed his penis against me and masturbated until ejaculation." Michelle goes on, "I was isolated as the abuse progressed to daily molestation. By the age of 10, I was severely depressed. I prayed that God would take me in my sleep. She says, "We moved to Oregon; and, for a couple years, lived far off the grid. I was isolated as the abuse progressed to daily molestation. By the age of 10, I was severely depressed. When I was 11, Children's Services came to my school to interview me, but I denied abuse out of fear. Later, after my step-father was arrested for beating my mother (again) a doctor suspected I had been abused. I nervously acknowledged the 5 years of daily abuse." She's getting better now. "My healing journey began when I was given the opportunity to put him in jail long term, and keep him from abusing another child. My testimony in court led to a conviction of 1st degree Child Molestation, Sodomy and 1st degree Rape of a child under 12. I've been in therapy at different times throughout my life; and, upon discussing my childhood, have been told that my mental health is remarkable. Yet, I have made many unhealthy life choices that (in retrospect) were definitely driven by the abuse." As Michelle says, "The abuse need not define us. However, we neither can, nor should, pretend it isn't part of who we are. Only by embracing all parts of ourselves can we truly heal and have anything to bring to the table."