Love, in Spite Of...

Rape, pedophilia , incest, domestic violence at the hands of kin, family friends, and adults who should have been protecting the women and girls in their midst have been traditionally "suffered privately " by those women and girl victims, often times with the victims becoming the focus of recriminations when such situations have come to light .-Dr. Harry Edwards Professor Emeritus, UC Berkeley/ Sociologist/Civil Rights Leader_____________________________________________Growing up in an upper middle class family had its advantages and drawbacks. Although sheltered from most of the dangers of inner city life I was nevertheless isolated, groomed, targeted, and victimized within my own home. This all occurred among women who were highly educated and hyper vigilant about my safety at all times. Their professional accomplishments and intellectual achievements did not protect me from a ravished childhood trauma brought on by a predator who lived amongst us. My struggles were insurmountable obstacles because I wasn't in a position to deal with all of the complexities of the mind-games, deceit, betrayal and pain. As I grew older, I alone found the courage and strength to finally do something. Albeit a rough and often contentious journey, eventually I found the help that I needed. It started with a simple question: Can I forgive?