Speaking From the Scar

By Karen Garton

Many who have experienced childhood sexual abuse believe that to speak serves no useful purpose, so they choose to be silent. But the reality is the ripple effect of speaking up has the potential to create both individual and collective healing, stop perpetrators, and protect innocent children. Karen Garton believes that open dialogue is the preventative measure we need as a society to disrupt the culture of silence that perpetuates the cycle of childhood sexual abuse. For thirty-six years, Karen didn't speak about the sexual abuse perpetrated by a trusted neighbour when she was just nine-years-old. After a powerful event in her mid-40s, she reconnected with her experiences and emotions, which led her to bring the perpetrator to justice, and transform her relationship with herself and her life. In this book, Karen shares about her experience of the Australian justice process, how it started with a phone call and a police statement, moved to an arrest, then a court case, and finally resulted in a conviction. In each chapter of this book, Karen shares her experiences with different techniques, modalities and practices that guided her towards acceptance, healing, liberation, and love. It's her deepest desire that her story can be a source of assistance for others as well. She discovered that speaking her truth was a radical act of self-love and a compassionate step towards freedom. Her wounds are no longer open, and she is able to Speak From The Scar . "You are a relational and engaging writer who connects with her audience. I found your book heartfelt and authentic. I particularly liked how you tracked your recovery journey and shared all the different modalities that you engaged with to heal, it is a testament to your resilience. It also demonstrates the unique pathways of recovery that survivors can engage in, but ultimately I felt that it just traced your personal journey. I didn't feel pressured to try anything. I felt curious and open, but that it still allowed me agency as a reader, you strike a very good balance there. There is no one size fits all." Donna Lyon - Founder, Left Write Hook "Through working with Karen I have also found healing - her words helped me from the moment I opened her first draft. I cannot thank her enough for trusting me with her story. And I will always be grateful to the Universe for the synchronicities that led us to meet. If you have, (or know someone who has), experienced CSA, Karen's story may help you understand how insidious this abuse is and the lasting impact it can have, even when you think you are "doing ok". It will give you options to explore, and breaks down some of the fears of disclosing and speaking our truth." Ruth Fae - Editor, Fae Blood Publishing

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0CMT5Q4GS
• ISBN13: 9798866190843
• Release Date: November 2023
• Publisher: Independently published
• Length: 186 Pages
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.4" x 6.0"