Client Success Stories
Meet Ivy!
She came to Dawson Place to find safety, justice, and healing. Ivy’s story is an inspiring example of why the staff at Dawson Place continue to do the important work we do and how we work together to help victims turn hurt to hope.
I learned how to be vulnerable on a different level. Everybody in this group was a stranger at first, and now you are my friends. Having this deep connections to each other because of what we went through has been so powerful.
Teen group taught me that even when you go through the hardest thing in your life, you’re not alone. I’m so glad I met other people who understand and have been through what I have. I’m not alone.
At first, I was nervous to come to group, but now I’m sad that it’s ending. Everyone in group has taught me that I’m not alone. You don’t have to fight this battle on your own.
I learned in teen group to be proud of yourself. Even though we went through hard times, we can still be happy.
We’re so much more than victims. We’re survivors, and we have each other.
A Story of Healing, Hope, and Help
When I was first touched inappropriately I was just 8 or 9 years old. At first, my abuser was really nice to me, complimenting me and saying I was the favorite and how beautiful I was. The sexual abuse lasted about 3 years and happened when we would be at family gatherings. During this time, I couldn’t tell anyone about my life. I couldn’t talk to my mother about how I felt or what was happening. I did not have a good connection with my family members when it came to talking about my personal life. When something upset me, I just never said anything. I argued frequently with my mom and was having difficulty in school. After I disclosed the abuse to my school counselor I was referred to Dawson Place. I was pretty nervous and didn’t know how my mom was going to react.
Dawson Place helped me. I was able to share what happened. It was a nice environment to be around and the staff were nice to me. Since this experience, I am more cautious about being near other people and have a better idea of when people cross my boundaries or try to manipulate me.
About a year and a half after I disclosed my abuse, my cousin told me she had been abused as well. My cousin came to me because she knew I had already been through the whole process of disclosing the abuse. I knew to tell my counselor immediately and get her help through Dawson Place. I’m glad she came to me and was able to tell me.
Now, I have a really good connection with my family. I know I can count on them with anything. I’m doing great in school and am helping to lead the younger grades with online schooling. It is never a kid’s fault and you should tell someone immediately. There are people who will believe you and help you through it. You are not the only one going through it. You are not alone.
Read an Inspiring Story of Survival, Justice, and Triumph over Child Sexual Abuse.
Fill out this form and Finding Courage – How Two Children Found the Courage to Confront Their Abuser will be emailed to you.
IF ABUSE IS HAPPENING, DON'T WAIT ANY MORE
Contact Dawson Place to transform hurt to hope and receive the services you need.
Location
1509 California Street
Everett, WA 98201
Contact
Call 425-789-3000 if you have any questions
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