My anonymous interviews!

http://video-embed.nola.com/services/player/bcpid619329503001?bctid=601329606001&bckey=AQ~~,AAAAPmbRMTE~,BWCCSzT6s9ksP29K0TEsITNwjG28SO_r

Information about the video is available at:
http://www.nola.com/crime/index.ssf/2009/11/post_75.html

For this part of my blog it's interview time! I chose two people to interview. Each person wishes to be anonymous. My first interviewee is a single mom, and has a son that is four. My first and second interviewee has something in common. Both of them didn't let the abuse destroy them growing up. With that said the first interview starts:

• Have you met a child that willingly told you that they was being abused or were you victim of child abuse.

Yes. I, myself was a victim of child abuse.

• How old was you/ or the child when the abuse happened?

I was five years old.

• If it's not too personal, who was the abuser?

My step-grandfather.

• What did you do?

I tried to hide the abuse from showing.

• Was there a specific reason why the abuse happened?

I was a child, I see no reason why he would have a reason to have done it.

• What type of abuse was it?

Sad to say, it was sexual abuse.

• Did you tell an adult?

 Yes I told an adult what was going on.

• What are your thoughts about child molestation? Especially from a family member.

My thoughts.... My thoughts are that it makes me sick!

• What are your feelings toward child abuse cases that are shown on the news and every other public way to leak out information?

Well, like many people it makes me furious.

• Do you have any advice for a child or young adult that may read this interview, that went/is in the same situation that you were in?

Yes. Tell multiple people if needed. If one person you tell doesn't believe you, don't give up. Tell another person and another until somebody finally believes you.

After my first interview I went onto my second interview. My second person wishes just like the first. They wish to be anonymous. My second interviewee is a widow. She has four kids, and nine grand-children. My second interview starts with:

• Have you met a child that willingly told you that they was being abused or were you victim of child abuse.

Yes. I've been abused. I also met a child who was being abused

• How old was you/ or the child when the abuse happened?

I was six and the abuse lasted for ten long years. I do not know the age of the child.

• If it's not too personal, who was the abuser?

My daddy

• What did you do?

When I found out the the child was being abused I reported it to DSS (Department of Social Services), but on the other hand with me, I did nothing.

• Was there a specific reason why the abuse happened?

He would have to be alive, so you could ask him that question, because only he would know that answer.

• What type of abuse was it?

It was very detailed physical abuse, along with emotional and mental abuse.

• Did you tell an adult?

No, because I didn't want to get my daddy in trouble.

• What are your thoughts about child molestation? Especially from a family member.

Well, I was raped at the age of fifteen by a complete stranger. It makes me sick to my stomach. I want to stop it all!

• What are your feelings toward child abuse cases that are shown on the news and every other public way to leak out information?

If I see it, it makes me furious and I feel bad for the victim, because I know their pain.

• Do you have any advice for a child or young adult that may read this interview, that went/is in the same situation that you were in?

There are lots of people now a days to help. Never be afraid to ask somebody for help. Be thankful and lucky that there are people out there to help you. Also, never give up on your life because of another person's mistake and choice.

Both of my interviewees' are wonderful, strong, brave, courageous women. These women are my true hero, and idol! I was inspired sitting there listening to their story. Their story showed me that no matter what the situation, or catastrophe your in, there is no reason for giving up and that there is always hope. I wanna thank my interviewees' for their time and patience for going through this interview with me and opening up to all of you about their experience. Thank you!