VIDEO COMING SOON
After careful consideration on how to best impact this awareness project I have come to the conclusion that I wish to share my story in Imagery/Film format. This will be my next project and I hope to have this to you shortly.
WHO IS ISABELLA GRAND?
She is far from the girl that most people in her family want her to be. They told her that her dreams were rubbish & taught her how NOT to believe in herself. For a very long time she did just that, she let toxic people, abusers & bystanders control her & diminish her dreams. The Woman who is Isabella Grand today has come a long way, she is an aspiring author, published poet, photographer, designer, inspiring inventor, life mentor, wife & much more. In short an Artist & Survivor
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Isabella Grand
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A brief overview of my story,
I don't want the focus to be so much on me, but I'd like to focus on what I represent and that is strength, courage, heart, survival and knowledge. In order to help victims speak up, I will share the important parts of my story and I will be open and honest without the need to name and shame. That is part of my personal journey and because my abusers are no longer a threat to any child. I do and will support 200% anyone who wishes to name and shame their abuser as I feel strongly about aiding against child sexual abuse and rape. I am aware of the journey ahead and am fully committed to this fight.
My Author & Artist name is Isabella Grand,
Isabella Grand Is My Middle Name & Yes I will reveal My Biological First Name When I Release My Video.
I am a survivor of approximately 16 years of child sexual abuse, during my life journey I was sexually abused by two family members. I was also physically, mentally and verbally abused by another family member as well as at times by the abusers. Before the age of five I was already very sexually aware and would act out what I was taught, I went to four different primary schools but I didn't attend much schooling and when I did, I used school as an escape to the world.
My first experience with sexual abuse started when I was under 2 years of age, my second abuser started when I was 10 years old. Yes, at one stage, between the ages of 10 to 12 I endured abuse from both abusers, I stopped the abuse myself when I was about 16 years old.
Before the age of thirteen I encountered a few other potential abusers but I thankfully found a way to avoid them. Two of which I am certain would have abused me.
Most people I cried or asked help to turned a blind eye. Most of these people were family members including the one person who is always supposed to protect you, my mother. (She has authorised the use of her reference)
Today, at age 31, I am well aware that more than half of my abuse never had to even happen had someone been there to look after me instead of only think for themselves.
I went into complete darkness but I have pulled through.
My First Abuser Abused More children that I could have had imagined, I'm proud to say that I had the courage to face him regarding this topic knowing that not all of us are given this strength. Of course I was slammed and Blamed for doing this, How dare I confront an old man? NO, HOW DARE HE EVER LAY A FINGER ON YOUNG CHILDREN?
The above is absolutely nothing compared to my story of survival and strength, it's just the skim of the ice berg and yet not even. Despite the many people who tried to keep me down I feel this mission isn't just about my story, it is about OUR STORIES, and how I best feel my story can represent everyone as a whole. I believe that the short film will be the best way to go for most impact.
We need to break the TABOO.
My story may not be the worst, but it's darn bad, wrong, damaging, horrific, real and it sure wasn't the easiest. If I like so many of you, almost took my own life ,then I think it's a time to take a stand. A stand Against Child Sexual Abuse.
I am no longer a victim, my story is not for naming and shaming, I know my place, and where things stand for me. My story like your story should be used to save the next child and the next again.
I believe in brining abusers to justice however my journey no longer has purpose for that. I also believe in personal journeys and this is how my one unfolds.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and thank you for coming on this journey with me.
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POEM March 2015
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