Yesterday I was asked to give an interview for Sky news. One can never be sure what one will be asked for in these things or what will be edited or remain on the cutting room floor so to speak. So it can be challenging especially if you want to get a message across to other people and our communities.

But I always say ‘yes’ to speaking at these opportunities, as its important, I feel, for those whose stories are not yet spoken about and for those who are still affected by this dis-ease of our society. Speaking out can be the hardest thing to do, those who have not had to deal with this can sometimes not understand fully its importance.

Secrets that lay dormant within us are very damaging to the soul of the victim. They effect relationships and our intimacy with others.

I know that part of my own healing has happened for me because I spoke out, because I shared my thoughts, my life story and have spoken from my heart concerning this. When ever I hear about a young child who has been sexually abused by a family member I am reminded of my own story and my heart goes out to that child, knowing the horrible feelings that follow and the lack of understanding and confusion that can live on for a life time.

Many would try to cover up these stories and not want to speak out about them, ‘let sleeping dogs lie!’ some would say. I disagree with this and know the harm that can be caused by it. I know the healing that occurs from speaking out and sharing what has happened. It took me many years but finally when I had my book published, it wasn’t so much about having written a book, but the way I felt afterwards, that I had released something from my history, that I had been heard and my voice felt freer.

My book ‘Ms’Guided Angel’ has helped many people and I am proud of that. That is the most important thing for me. I continue to write and cover a lot of my own experiences of the abuse, not so that I indulge myself in any way, but so that the truth is spoken and others can benefit from what I am always learning. I am creative with what it has taught me so that it does not affect me now in the same way.

I have freed my voice in many ways, but I know there is still more. Sexual abuse whether child hood trauma or adult rape, seriously affects the voice, so speaking out or even singing and being open in this way is often restricted. I’m still quite shy of my voice, I’m still aware of some of the restrictions, but its a life long journey to seriously reclaim our sexuality and our voice.

On Sky news today, I shared a little of myself and Ms’Guided Angel. If you cannot see it on TV (I dont actually have TV 🙂 there is a link here. There is a little video on the right hand side.  http://news.sky.com/story/1142067/daniel-pelka-calls-for-child-protection-law

And over the next few weeks my latest poetry book will be published……once we open our voice there is nothing to stop us 🙂

Ms’Guided Angel published by MyVoice Publishing 2010

and my latest book about to be published ‘SHE has a Voice’