Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) - 2558

Tonight's special guest is Marlisse (Lisa) Hardamon from Beavercreek, Ohio, a child abuse survivor who refers to herself as a 'victor'. From 5 years old through her teenage years Lisa was mentally, emotionally, sexually and physically abused. At 16, while she was babysitting for a family friend, she was once again sexually assaulted when the man of the house raped her. She says, "Today I dance in the light of my life, not as a victim, but a victor. I have learned to not only forgive my perpetrators but to forgive myself. I have learned to move past my pain." Lisa is writing her first book entitled, 'Tapestry of A Victor: From Trauma to Triumph'. See her website: www.TransformationSpeaks.com. "I could introduce myself by calling myself a victim, because, at the age of 5, I became a victim of mental abuse,: she says. "I was forced to hide in a closet, while my mother was beaten regularly by my father. I have strong memories of my mother putting me into the closet and telling me to be as quiet as I could until she came to get me. But today, I would like to introduce myself, Lisa, a victor. Yes, I was abused and suffered from the result of that abuse. Yes, I cried and I even tried to end my life, several times. I hated myself and everyone, else. I was bitter and angry. I am not a victim, I did not let my life destroy me, they made me strong and taught me how to truly live life." Marlisse is the Advocate of the Year for 2019, and she is developing into a famous motivational speaker for her ability to uses the power of storytelling to share her personal story in a manner that the audience can gain insight.