I would first like to thank you for having the courage to take a look at
this page!! I'm not trying to be sarcastic. This is a topic, we don't
like to talk about. But, it needs to be talked about!!! It is real, and
it's going on everyday all over this world!! If you are here because you
are a victim or a survivor... my arms are open wide for you and I give you
all my love!!! I am a survivor!!! My story is not uncommon!! I was a
victim at the age of 14, victimized by an uncle I loved and trusted!! I
did not tell until I was 20, and only told then to protect my brothers. I
have since done whatever I could possibly do to move in a postive way against
this tragic and damaging thing we call Child Sexual Abuse. I have testified
in front of the Michigan Senate Judiciary Committee on a bill that if passed
would have extended the Statute of Limitations on Criminal Sexual Conduct.
Of which, I'd like to take this time to thank Representive Gary Randall for
writing this bill and working so hard for all of us!! I would also like to
thank Senator William VanRegenmorter who has always fought for victim's rights,
regardless of what kind of victim!! And, thank you too, for allowing me to
stand in front of your committee and say what I needed to say. And, a
special thanks to Senator Joanne Emmons and her staff aide Brett Henderson.
Brett is the one who helped me get involved and gave my name to the committee
and asked if I could testify. I do appreciate all the work you've all done for us!! THANK YOU!!!
The healing process for victims is a long one. It may take years, for some
they never fully heal. They are sentenced to a life a pain, embarrassment,
shame, and fear!! I too lived with all those for 10 years, until a day came
when I said no more, that was when I began my fight. My fight has included
many different things...including testifying, as I mentioned earlier, and
confronting the uncle who did this to me. That was the hardest thing I have
ever done in my life, but I don't regret it!! And, facing him was probably
the best thing I have ever done for myself!!! I also talked with my
county prosecutor about pressing charges. (Thank You, Jim for your time
and all of your help!!!) Unfortunately, the way the law is written it
was too late!! (Someday, we will get that changed!!!) He never paid in
this life for what he did, but in April, 1997 he stood before God, and
I know his payment, and our justice has finally begun!!
I would also like to thank some great friends in my county sheriff's department,
who took the time to listen and help in whatever way possible: Lance: Your concern was always appreciated and your help was wonderful. Todd: I thank you most for dealing with my mom in what was a truly a
difficult time!! Scott: I thank you for just being there and sharing your story!! Roger: Thanks for your help with Kim and the court!! I miss you, bud!!! Mike: Thanks for taking the time to listen and calm me down...it meant a great deal to me!!
And, Pat: You have been there through everything!! And, your kicks
in my butt helped more than you know!!!
Thanks guys!!! You are the greatest!!! All my love to you!!!
I would also like to thank some very wonderful and truly precious friends
who were there through different stages of my healing process: Shannon: who has been a constant refuge through all my stormy seas!! Shirley: who held my hand during the difficult testimony I gave!! Tina: who stood by my side through the hardest part of it all!! Meik: who was there when I felt the most betrayed!! Jerry: who showed me forgiveness is the only real way to be free!! And, Terrie: who was there from beginning to end!!
I love you guys with all my heart!!! THANK YOU!!!!
I would like to share a letter I received from Brett Henderson in response to a thank you I sent him shortly after I testified. It is a letter I am very proud of, and I have framed.
September 29, 1994
Dear Kimberly:
I just thought you should know how much it meant to hear from you
and to know things are going so well for you now. You gave me entirely
too much credit -- what you did took amazing courage and of all the
people I have dealt with during my time with the Senator, no one has
done more from themselves than you did.
I think the path you have chosen for your life says a great deal
about just how much courage and will to make a difference you really
have. I can't think of a better way for you to have an impact than in
law enforcement.
Again, thank you for "thanking" me. The most frustrating thing
about my job is that things don't turn out for the best less than half
the time, and when they do I rarely ever get to hear about it. Good
luck at FSU! Please feel free to stop in the office if you are ever
in Lansing -- it would be a pleasure to shake your hand and say that
we have met.
Sincerly,
Brett Henderson
Staff Aide
The Power Of Silence
~~Nancy Faulkner, Ph.D., 1996 c
The nightmare of the victims torture chamber
is securely sealed with secrecy and fear;
Behind the prison bars, -- in solitary
is the child who sheds a lonely, silent tear.
Stripped of dignity and hiding in the shadows,
bravely waiting for the safety of daylight;
A trusting child becomes the helpless victim,
without essential weapons for the fight.
The bars remain invisible to callous passers by,
who do not stop to help the frightened child
or pause to see the pain inflicted cleverly,
as the innocent is silently defiled.
Predators retain the keys with clever subtle threats,
and captivate the hostage through deception;
A child is subject to the violation --
weiled as "friendship," or shrouded as "protection."
The villian gains it abject cunning power
through apathetic silence of the masses
And the passive stance of all the sightless people,
who will not loose the choking silent lashes.
To turn away will sacrifice the child
And support the power of the covert beast,
While we leave the keys that lock the dungeons' secrets
in the evil hands of those we trust the least.
View My
Guestbook