So often we look at children and all we see is untouched innocence, and in reality that is what we should see. Sadly however as seen in my recent post on the report; Child Abuse and Neglect Deaths in the U.S. ,some 12,180 children died as a result of child abuse and, or, neglect from 2001-2008. Countless others go unreported, children often survive the horrendous trials of abuse and are left at risk for other abuses including sex trafficking. Amazingly many others survive the horrors of abuse and become the voice and inspiration for so many other that were rendered voiceless by their abusers. Children who’s courage and strength inspire and empower, children like 13 year-old Armond DeGasperis.
I stumbled across an interview of Armond, who has a just published his book, The End is the Beginning, Armond has left behind his painful past and has moved on to live a healthy, normal ‘All American’ life with his adopted parents and siblings.
It was said to be one of the most dreadful cases of abuse to a child. I am Armond the 13 year old male survivor of the darkest, most disturbing violations and experiences imaginable. Take a chilling look into my early childhood that was filled with sadness, nightmares and terror. Sense my unforgettable shame, feel the excruciating pain given by one’s own parents. (Armond DeGasperis)
At 13 years-old, Armond cannot drive a car, but has managed to become one of the world’s youngest published authors. Armond uses his voice and his story to create awareness and fight against child abuse in the United States and across the globe. Recovering from abuse and trauma can be one of the longest and difficult journeys a person can take, and it is also one of the loneliest for many, especially children. However thanks to Armond’s courage to share his voice with other young people, and adults alike, for many the journey is no longer a lonely one and the distance grows shorter with the turn of each page. You can see more of this inspiring young man in the interview by Ernest Dempsy in the News Blaze.
Please see my previous article, Knowing the signs of abuse to protect our children, to learn more on how you can protect and prevent children from abuse. You can also read other posts on abuse here.
