As a young boy, Garrett was sexually abused. Check out this warrior’s inspirational story.
At this point it should be common knowledge that 1-in-6 boys under 18 have been sexually abused. Such stories often only come out once the survivors have battled with them for years. Garrett is just twenty-three years old. Though he’s only a young man he has spent years carrying the weight of his traumatic experiences. In this short video he has mustered the courage, confidence and tenacity to tell his story in an attempt to empower and inspire others. Too often we associate warriors with battlefields; we award them medals and fill our history books with their stories. But there are no truer warriors than Garrett. Share this young man’s story wide and far.
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Hi Garrett
You are a brave and beautiful young man!
And you are no alone.
Great video.
I wish you all the best for the rest of your life.
“I had a very difficult time trusting and being comfortable w/ males….”
Truly brave, brave stuff!
I am touched that he can turn his pain into something else…into something else more powerful than what he suffered….hopefully, more people will be able to find the strength to tell the truth about their stories…and to transform that suffering into something that may be able to heal others….
I am so proud he is in the helping profession…!
What a brave wonderful man. Garrett, you are a true inspiration. I will share you brave words far and wide. It is for kids like you, that I will always continue to advocate for sexual abuse prevention education. So, kids like you do not have their childhood stolen away and the next generation know their rights in relation to their bodies. People such as yourself continue to inspire me to get the message out there to parents and educators. Thank you so much for sharing your story Garrett, and I know you will help so many with your words and… Read more »
Dear Jan,
I’ve edited the poorly-worded sentence you mentioned. May the focus of this article remain on Garrett’s incredible story.
Thank you for sharing your own knowledge and experience,
~Cameron
“Such stories often only come out once the survivors themselves have committed a crime or underwent therapy following a psychological breakdown.” The majority of sexual abuse victims are not criminals, nor have they had a psychological breakdown, nor have they needed therapy. We need to stop pretending kids are too fragile to handle any adversity, and that they will go to pieces if something bad happens to them. Frankly, I believe that telling abused kids that they will grow up to be criminals or mentally unstable is worse than the actual abuse. I was abused and I’m certainly not a… Read more »
Hi Jan
The long term effect of sexual abuse in childhood depends on many factors. Let’s call it the total situation for the individual .in childhood and later on.
For many the emotional reaction comes later,much later.
Of course you NOT become criminals but many do struggle emotionally and some develop serious personalty disorders like Borderline. And belIve me Jan,that is not much fun!
Do do not be too arrogant .