"Dad, I am too small to
understand what life is all about. Yes, I do know when there is pain, even when
it is emotional pain. When I was three years old, when you thought I would not
know what was happening, you took a pen and destroyed my hymen. You laughed. I
cried. It was painful. You also did this while my older brother was watching.
The following week you took your finger and pushed it between by legs. That was
very, very painful. One year later, then only four, you tried to have sex with
me but I believe mommy came into the room and interrupted you. Many times after
that, when no one was around, you forced me to have sex with you. I would plead
for you to stop. I would try to scream by you would hold my mouth.
Dad, although I am only seven now, just
talking about this causes pain. You are someone I should trust. You are the one
who is causing me the most pain. Dad, why are you hurting me when you should
really be loving me. I will never forget this pain you are causing me. I
remember when I got a serious infection and you lied to the doctor. I had a high
fever and lots of pain. You made me feel that I go sick because I was
disobedient.
Dad, please stop causing me pain. My
voice is too weak to scream for help. I am too young to explain to the police
what is happening to me. In fact, since you are the adult you always try to
discredit what I say. Most people would believe you because you are so nice and
kind to others. You treat me badly in public and accuse me of being unruly. You
beat me for the simplest wrong doing. Why dad? You have successfully made
everyone think that I am the bad girl when you are the one who is bad.
God made dads to love and not to hurt.
You are actually destroying me, dad. How can I trust you again? How can I trust
other men in loving relationships? You have messed up my life, although it is
only beginning. When I become a young woman, if I do reach that age, I believe I
will be afraid to talk to men, more so to have them touch me or even hold my
hand. I am not sure if I will do well in high school or college. I am so
nervous. I cannot sleep well at nights, because these are the times that you
sneak into my room and force me to have sex with you. Each time when am alone in
the dark I get frightened. My heart beats fast. My eyes are often filled with
tears. Why? Because I am afraid you will open the door and come. Dad, this even
happens when I know you are away to another country. I am in a bad shape dad,
and its all because of you. I can’t even tell mom because you threatened me
that if I do, you will really hurt me. There was one time I did try to tell her
what you are doing to me but she accused me of being rude and disrespectful. She
did not believe.
Who will believe me? Who will listen to
my pain? I need a dad to love me. I need a dad to trust. I
am too young to speak with eloquent words of persuasion. I am too young you to
express my true pain. I need someone to speak for me. I need someone to protect
me. Dad, won’t you stop destroying me."
Dear reader, April is Child Abuse
Prevention Month in the Bahamas. It is a time to remind us of the value of
children and the need to protect them from unnecessary pain and suffering. If
you know or strongly suspect any child of being physically or sexually abused,
please call in the Bahamas 242-327 1980 or in the United States 1800
799 SAFE now.
Here are a few links on Child Abuse
and Domestic Violence:
