Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrice Griffin.
Patrice, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’m a disabled US Army veteran and survivor of child sexual abuse. My abuse began from the age of 8-12 by my cousin and then from 14-18 by a rap group/cult. The road to recovery has not been easy, from being homeless and sleeping on the trains in NYC to being hospitalized at the Veterans hospital for suicidality and suffering from major depression and PTSD. For many years I did not discuss my abuse because I was embarrassed and ashamed and I didn’t think that anyone would believe me. Through therapy, medication and a support system after many years I finally was able to tell my truth. I had come to realize that everything I was feeling I was not alone. I found out that it wasn’t my fault and I didn’t have to beat myself up over the abuse any longer. The road to recovery has not been easy at all but each day I try my best to push forward. I decided to start my nonprofit Patrice’s Kids Inc. to bring awareness to child sexual abuse which is an epidemic and a lot of people shy away from the important conversations that need to be discussed due to lack of knowledge or fear. I’m here to break the stigma and open up a line of communication as a survivor. I advocate along side other survivors such as Gary Greenberg, who is a candidate for New York State Senate to have the Child Victims Act passed. The bill was recently signed into legislation. This bill allows survivors who were not able to bring charges against there abusers due to the statute of limitations to file a civil suit. There is a one year period to file your claim. My passion is protecting as many kids as I can from sexual abuse.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Its been a tough road as I have major depression and PTSD from my childhood trauma. I take meds and continue to see a therapist each week to combat these emotions of depression, however I’m happy that there is help and hope!!
Please tell us about the organization.
My nonprofit has been in existence for about two years. We focus on bringing awareness to child sexual abuse, We focus on signs and symptoms of sexual abuse ,what to look out for as it pertains to kids and what the grooming process is like when predators are seeking out their victims. We hold events for kids in the community, while we do discuss abuse we are known for giving back to kids in the foster care systems and single moms that are struggling. Our most recent event was a Christmas celebration for children living in the system and single moms who were unable to provide gifts for the holiday season. While partnering with other nonprofits, we served approximately 300 children. They were all gifted with scooters, bicycles and brand new sneakers. What I’m most proud of is that we are in the community dealing with kids who are actually needing help and we are able to provide assistance to them. What sets me apart is that. I am a survivor of child sexual abuse. I’m not just talking about I actually lived it and I have an understanding of what these kids go through—day to day.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Veterans Hospital has been so amazing in providing support and therapy for me over the years. I’m truly grateful to them. Winston Chapman, a social worker who helped me get off the streets and get me into my own apartment after living in the train stations in NYC. Gary Greenberg who fights every single day to protect kids and survivors. Jacob York who was the first person to speak out for me when others were too afraid. I’m extremely grateful to him. To every single survivor who has had the courage to speak their truth. To every single person that has supported my journey.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 8329165010
- Email: patriceskidsinc@yahoo.com
- Instagram: @Patriceskids
- Facebook: Patrice”s Kids
Image Credit:
Sammy Veal
Joe Capozzi
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