As a small child, I was shamed into silence in an effort to conceal the crimes of those who would abuse, abandon and neglect me. I can still hear that faint voice,
What goes on in this house stays in this house.

African American women like myself have been the gatekeeper’s for childhood abuse, molestation, incest and rape in our communities. We have worn the pain of our Great-Great Grandmother’s, Grandmother’s for generations to come before us.

We have been paralyzed by the guilt, shame and vague remorse of the very people who were supposed to protect us.

60% of black girls have experienced sexual abuse at the hands of black men before reaching the age of 18, according to an ongoing study conducted by Black Women’s Blueprint.

1 in 4 black girls will be sexually abused before the age of 18. (Stone, R.D., No Secrets, No Lies: How Black Families Can Heal from Sexual Abuse, 2004)

30% of black women with documented histories of childhood sexual abuse were sexually assaulted in adulthood. (Siegel & Williams, Risk Factors for Sexual Victimization of Women, Violence Against Women 9, 2003)

For every black woman who reports a rape, at least 15 do not report (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2009) If you gather 10 African American women in a room, it is likely that at least nine have been victims of pedophilia, street harassment, and/or sexual assault; or they have a friend, cousin, sister, aunt, mother, or grandmother who has been victimized.

Yes, just about all of us, and for me, both cases are true.

I speak for the voiceless not to tell their story, but to tell mine; and in-so-doing, I encourage you to tell yours. Some people simply need a little inspiration to stand up and be heard.

About The Author-

Terricina L. Jackson a self-published author of the book entitled Manifest Your Magic: Learn How To Daily Transcend Your Personal and Professional Life To Enter the Infinite, Unlimited Part Of Your Being as well as Single in the City: The Single Mom’s Ultimate Guide to Entrepreneurship both available on Amazon. With over a decade of advocating for childhood sexual abuse victims, mental health, addiction and alcoholism, Terricina has a uniquely raw voice that pierces through the readers heart in her newest upcoming best seller The Code of Silence: Dirty Little Family Secrets. Terricina has a Life & Purpose Certification, Certified Mandated Child Sexual Abuse Advocate, Certified HOPE Prison Re-Entry Advocate, MBA in Public Administration, and Dual BA in Business Administration & Management. Terricina tells a riveting story of domestic violence, addiction, sexual exploitation, and mental health in the African American Community.