Toward the end of 2019, my world imploded. I began to experience emotional triggers, panic attacks, flashbacks, and more. In therapy I uncovered a long-buried trauma from ongoing child sexual abuse in a Delaware daycare.
I also began a research project, finding that over the 30 years this state-licensed daycare had been in operation, scores of cases of child sexual abuse were reported, yet with no convictions.
When I spoke with my family members about it, including my siblings, who had also been in that daycare, I began to understand why we all suffered from trauma-related disorders. I knew there must be many others from that daycare who also didn’t know what had happened to them or why they were suffering from trauma-related disorders.
In an effort to find answers to this violation I began meeting with policy makers in Delaware. I also began advocating for the civil statute to be abolished so sexual abuse survivors can bring civil suit against the criminals who committed these unconscionable acts against children.
Some policy makers have shared with me their awareness that child abuse and even sex trafficking are taking place in Delaware institutions and organizations. But “delay” and “stall” seem to be the name of the game when it comes to addressing the problem.
I am a Delaware state awarded and recognized STEM educator (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) multiple times over for more than 20 years. I have given my life to nurture and protect children. I thought the government I worked under was in the same business. I still want to believe that.
The purpose of this Substack is to seek for change in the state of Delaware, my home state, because surely we are better than this. Surely there are many of us who want to protect the children. Will you join me?
If you have a story to tell, if you have a heart to protect children, if you believe government systems should operate justly and with transparency, we would love to hear from you.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
