Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrice Griffin.
Hi Patrice, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m a U.S. army veteran originally from Brooklyn NY and a survivor of child sexual abuse from the age of 8-18 by my older cousin, math tutor and a cult organization. My abusers had me addicted to cocaine at the age of 15. After finally escaping at the age of 18. I entered a drug program for young adults I was there for a year and they helped me to stay clean and sober. The hard part was when I left the program. I was homeless sleeping on the New York City trains for two years. I had no idea what depression was but I knew I was sad. I told myself that I could put all the abuse behind me but that seemed to be impossible. The road to recovery was not easy at all. Once I started therapy. I learned all about my depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. This didn’t make it easy because I was also suicidal. I tried taking my life so many times because I didn’t love myself and I felt worthless as a human being. After all the sexual abuse I had endured my self-esteem was completely gone I had none. It took years of therapy for me to see that I’m a good person and worthy of love and respect. I hadn’t talked about my abuse for so many years because I was afraid, ashamed and I didn’t think anyone cared or would believe me. Sometimes it still feels surreal to me. I’m still in therapy today and the support I have received from the mental health staff at the Veterans Hospital is the reason I’m still here today. I’m not cured at all but I’m learning how to talk through issues rather than take it out on myself. I attended college in NY and I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and then I finally found my purpose when I decided to start a nonprofit to bring awareness to child sexual abuse.
For so many years. I felt alone but through therapy I’ve come to realize that it wasn’t my fault and I no longer had to be silenced or ashamed. On my website I offer free Child sexual abuse trainings for any adult who wants to educate themselves on how to protect kids. I also have events for kids and families’ providing them with shoes, clothes and food, I want every child to know that they are special and loved and no one has the right to touch them or harm them in any way. As a child no one taught me about boundaries or that its ok to say no so I’m making it my duty to reach as many kids and adults as possible. I wanted to reach more people and for years I wanted to tell my story so I decided to write a book about my life. So I linked up with Ross Williams of Williams Commerce Publishing Company and the process began. I wrote my book The Unconscious Community to let survivors know that they are not alone and to educate the public on what happens to a child that has been sexually abused. I put my book out on my Birthday September 18th 2020. It has been amazing. I have received so much support for my book and I became a bestselling author on Amazon. A lot of survivors and parents have reached out to me and I’m really proud of the book.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been a tough road ahead, the process of healing from my childhood trauma continues every day. there are good days and bad days but as long as I don’t give up and keep pushing there is hope!!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m retired. I worked at the Veterans Hospital in Engineering for several years. My goal is to protect kids and bring awareness through my nonprofit Patrice’s Kids Inc. For me it’s not work it’s my purpose and my passion to do all that I can to keep another child from being scarred but also to continue to tell my story so that other survivors know that just because you have had trauma in your life it’s not the end for you there is hope and help. I’m most proud that I found the courage to finally speak my truth. I will no longer be silenced. I think what sets me apart from others is that I experienced the trauma, homelessness, suicidality and depression so when I talk to adult survivors and children I can relate to all their fears and emotions because I’ve been there and I’m still healing.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
My passion for the safety of children and their mental health is what drives me to advocate for them on a regular basis.
Contact Info:
- Email: patriceskidsinc@yahoo.com
- Website: www.Patriceskids.com
- Instagram: @patriceskids
- Facebook: Patrices Kids
- Book: https://www.amazon.com/Unconscious-Community-Patrice-Griffin/dp/0578736233
Image Credits
Allyson Gray Christophefur
