Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) - 2593

Tonight's special guest is Sandra Speer from Gulfport, Mississippi, a survivor of child abuse who was was born into a dysfunctional family. Her father, mother and 'golden child' brother abused her violently, emotionally and through neglect. Sandra lived without her mother's love. "I left the family at 17 and was raped by a man that my father moved into the house," she says. "The rape caused me to feel insecure and convinced I wasn’t meant to be happy. I was convinced by both my parents that I would never amount to anything which caused me anxiety and want to commit suicide." Sandra goes on, "I struggled with an eating disorder that has caused me digestive problems all my life and anxiety about food. I had two failed marriages and lost my children but was able to get them back. I felt I never deserved to be happy but I learned to only care what I feel about myself and forget what others thought of me. I began my healing journey as a 58-year-old woman." Things are better now. "Recovery has helped me have the strength to live my dream of helping others. Recovery is rough but worth it. I earned my Ph.D. in Public Safety, which helped to build my self-esteem. Through my company, Life’s Answers, LLC (Site), I offer Life Coaching and Legal Advocacy. Knowing what most survivors are going through and need, I help survivors find the beautiful person they lost."