Teddy Tour

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Teddy’s name

Darci

Teddy’s age when 1st sexually abused

5 & 9

Who sexually abused Teddy

Neighbor & Trusted Family Friend

What town/country it happened in

Northern California & Sacramento Area

Where Teddy now lives

Central California

Message from this Teddy to the rest of the world

Darci was first assaulted by the teenager across the street at the age of five. He suggested a game of hiding in the bushes and peeking under clothes. It seemed fun until he tried to push his penis inside her and it hurt. He made her promise not to tell anyone and she didn’t until therapy 25 years later!
At the age of nine, while visiting a couple who were very close family friends in another city, her family went out for the afternoon leaving her alone with the trusted man in his 40’s who had been like a father figure to her older brother (still wondering about that relationship). She was sitting back on the pillows of the pullout sofa reading the comics of the newspaper when he quietly told her to continue reading and to not look past the paper. She felt his hands remove her shorts and panties and then felt his tongue on her private parts. It felt strange and exciting and she was too afraid to say anything because she didn’t know what to do. He continued for a while and then stopped. She was frozen and ashamed. He quietly told her not to tell anyone. Later she was taking a shower and he peeked in on her and smiled lewdly.
The next day, while they were at a lake, he found her by herself for a few moments on the boat dock and kissed her on the lips - french kissed! It was weird and gross! He did this a couple more times during the long weekend visit. She waited 21 years to tell anyone until she finally went through counseling and group therapy.
Today, Darci has a wonderful husband and family and lives a very happy life. It took many years to forgive, but she will never forget. She still feels too ashamed to tell people, but her loving husband knows and understands and thinks she’s the most beautiful woman in the world.

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Teddy’s name

Angie

Teddy’s age when 1st sexually abused

6

Who sexually abused Teddy

stepbrother

What town/country it happened in

Illinois, USA

Where Teddy now lives

Florida, USA

Message from this Teddy to the rest of the world

Just because what happened to Teddy is unspeakable does not mean it shouldn’t be spoken of. After more than five years of abuse, the pain that lingers for Teddy is the people who loved her who wouldn’t talk about it, who wanted to act as if naming it once meant it was solved, went away. Teddy knows parents hurt when this is done to their children, but victims of abuse need their support, strength, and courage. Instead, a lot of impossible choices were given to Teddy, including whether or not to break apart the family. It was unfair, and Teddy deserved better.

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Teddy’s name

elliot

Teddy’s age when 1st sexually abused

16

Who sexually abused Teddy

boyfriend, uncle, two friends

What town/country it happened in

tasmania

Where Teddy now lives

melbourne

Message from this Teddy to the rest of the world

My ex-boyfriend would force me to have sex even when I told him it hurt, and had sex with me twice when I was unconscious. When I was asleep he masturbated on me and laughed at me when I woke up and had to shower. During that relationship, my uncle also got drunk and inappropriately rubbed my thigh in the back of the car while my parents where driving him home. After my boyfriend and I broke up, one of my friends got drunk and rubbed his penis up against my back when I was sleeping, and later pinned me down and tried to rape me. A few years later, another of my friends climbed on top of me while I was asleep and put his hand down my underwear and inside my top. I received little support from my friends or my family, and developed an anxiety disorder and depression. Six years since my abusive relationship, I am undergoing sexual assault counselling and am in a supportive relationship. Although it is still difficult for me to trust others and sleep with my partner, I am finally beginning to feel more in control of my life and less weighed down by guilt and shame.

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Teddy’s name

Shannon

Teddy’s age when 1st sexually abused

Around 8

Who sexually abused Teddy

brother

What town/country it happened in

Portland, Oregon

Where Teddy now lives

Portland, Oregon

Message from this Teddy to the rest of the world

I was abused for a few years by my brother who was 3 years older. I never told. When another girl told, my life changed. My parents put so much into making his life as normal as possible and I was left to care for my younger siblings and answer their questions. I had no one to talk to. I eventually tried to take my life. I am no longer ashamed or worried about what my family thinks. I tell everyone my story. It is mine! I suffered many, many years and deserve to tell whom ever I want. I now have my own family and love my life. Life can be better, just seek professional help, never be ashamed, and choose to live. Living a full life is the best revenge!

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EDITED by Megan 15.10.08, TAG contents removed at survivors request.

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Teddy’s name

Bryn

Teddy’s age when 1st sexually abused

8-10 and 14

Who sexually abused Teddy

Uncle and brother’s friend

What town/country it happened in

Galway

Where Teddy now lives

Ireland

Message from this Teddy to the rest of the world

They can’t get away with it. Don’t suffer in silence, there are people to help.

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Teddy’s name

Butters

Teddy’s age when 1st sexually abused

12

Who sexually abused Teddy

Steven

What town/country it happened in

Woodstock, Ga

Where Teddy now lives

Atlanta, Ga

Message from this Teddy to the rest of the world

Don’t let fear silence you. Reach out and find strength in someone who believes you.