(1) "I enjoyed reading your story. It made me realize: Yes, I'm A Survivor Too."

(2) "Just finished the sequel to Bitter Memories. Parts of your life run parallel to mine, it was like seeing myself there. I feel so close to you from reading your books. You have reached me like no one else could. Thank you! Thank you!"

(3) "Wow. I honesty thought l had a shit childhood. Don't get me wrong, it was far from a pretty one, and I too wondered why God made me go through all the abuse that I got from family members. When my mum left me I was taken to live with my aunty and uncle. I was 16 months old and I endured sexual abuse on a scale like you. I left when l was fifteen and became a street kid. I met this man who now is my husband. I've been married for 32 fantastic and wonderful years. Life is great, but I will always struggle with my bitter memories. Thank you for sharing your story. Thank you for helping others to understand."

In this next heartbreaking story the little boy wasn't so lucky.

Charles J. Stecker, Jr. was only four years old when he witnessed his foster mother murder his little two year old brother, Edward. Charles was also injured as he held Edward close, trying to prevent the foster mother from hitting him again. Edward died in his brother's arms. Why did this happen? This is a question that has yet to be answered, and it's been 47 years since the death—the murder—of Edward Stecker.

Charles has made it his life work to try and prevent other children from being abused...from being murdered by uncaring, cruel people.

When I sat down to write my own story I wanted to help those still suffering from the devastation left behind from abuse, and to make more people aware that child abuse does exist. From the messages I receive almost daily, I have accomplished those goals and so much more. Thank you to all my readers who take the time to contact me, and to all the ones who not only get involved, but tell others about me and my story so they too can learn from my experiences.

Child abuse will not fix itself. Our children need to be protected. Society does not want to admit child abuse exists, but it does! Our children need each and everyone to get involved if they see or suspect a child is being abused.

My first three readers, like myself, were lucky. We survived. Edward Stecker wasn't lucky.

Next week I will be featuring Charles J. Stecker as my guest. He will tell you the circumstances of his brother's death and so much more.
This is a story you will not want to miss.

Charles shares this thought with all of us: "If someone sees or hears about a child or children being abused and doesn't report it then they are just as much at fault as the one that is doing the abusing and should also be charged. Maybe then people will start reporting and saving children from being hurt or worse killed. People need to start speaking up, I don't care if it is family or not, it is so wrong to let this happen to children that can not defend themselves!"

For more information on my own story of child abuse and my fight to survive, plus my other books available, please visit my website.

http://sj2448.wix.com/suejulsen