Holly grew up in a small town in Washington State.  At 3 years old her stepfather began to abuse her.  The abuse continued until she was 12 when her mother and stepfather divorced. 

 

At 14, Holly disclosed the abuse she had suffered to her mother.  Holly found out her stepfather had also abused the young children in the next family he went to.

 

Holly went on to testify against her abuser. He was offered a plea deal to plead guilty to indecent liberties (which is fondling or touching in America) instead of being charged with sexual abuse or rape.  He was sentenced to less than a year.  When he got out he moved back in with the children he had abused and his wife breaking his bail conditions.  He was sent back to prison for a few years.

 

Her abuser was removed from the sexual predator list as Washington State has a law to protect those falsely accused and invites those with good behaviour off the list after a time.

 

At 40 Holly’s marriage broke down. She was not faithful. She commenced trauma counselling, a 30-day intensive trauma program.  Holly realised she was holding on to so much guilt about not disclosing her abuse sooner.  She believes it is never too late to seek help and recovery options for everyone.

 

It is now 12 years since she entered the recovery program.  She has also attended Sex and Love Addiction meetings and completed another two-week outpatient intensive course on relationships as a mom and abandonment issues.

 

Holly is now focused on how can she can give back to other survivors? She is now a certified coach focusing on helping professionals. She relocated to Northern Ireland and has spent the last year working for a charity that focused on providing counselling of those affected by sexual assault. 

 

Holly’s goal now is to be an advocate for survivors by becoming an Ambassador for NAASCA.  She started ASCA meetings for survivors in Northern Ireland and therapist. Holly’s ultimate goal is to open an intensive program in Northern Ireland and advocate for survivors.

 

We encourage anyone who has concerns about sexual abuse to get in touch. You can contact Alan Collins at [email protected] or Danielle Vincent at  [email protected]