Neglected and abandoned by one father, and threated, verbally abused and psychologically terrorized by another, Brian Guarding endured a childhood of silent suffering. Who would believe a boy with no bruises?

The signs were there — straight A's giving way to failing grades, and quiet compliance replaced with angry outbursts — but like Brian, they were ignored. When his stepfather's cruelty reached a vindictive new low, Brian found the courage to break his silence. And in doing so, he discovered that words don't just inflict pain — they can also set you free. Brian's voice led him to the one thing he had so desperately longed for: a father.

Parenting a little girl to feel beautiful, capable and worthy is important to Heidi Anderson. So is providing a safe, loving home. Particularly because that little girl is her own inner child.  The home Heidi physically grew up in was the complete opposite, filled with alcoholism, codependence, blurred lines and no boundaries.

Not allowed to have any needs and starved for affection, Heidi felt special when her father first began showering her with attention. The more her parents’ marriage dissolved the more she got. Then the grooming kicked into high gear.

From sacrificial lamb to incest survivor, Heidi’s story is one of courage, faith, and conviction connecting to the child within and setting them both free from shame.

As a World War II and Korean War Veteran some would consider Tim Broderick’s father a hero. At home, he was a horror. A raging alcoholic and full of demons which he took out on his family. The beatings Tim endured were brutal. The ones his mother took routinely put her in the hospital. 

Tim went to extremes to shield his little sister but was helpless to protect himself. Then at the age of 15, his dad died and a surprising new abuser emerged. 

Full of rage and resentment and held hostage by his past, Tim did something his parents couldn’t. He learned how to put his demons to rest.

Repeatedly molested by a cousin as a child, Annie White grew up believing girls have no choices and must obey men. A belief system which laid the foundation for her later becoming what she calls, “the perfect battered wife.”

Essentially held hostage in her own home; she was abused, manipulated, controlled and sexually assaulted. For years she stayed silent believing it was her fault and fearing her children would be taken away. Then she saw the effect on her daughters and found the strength to escape.

With therapy and hard work, a whole new life opened up. Leaving Annie with one final hurdle… forgiving herself.

Dwight Francisco is a survivor…  and a warrior.

Sexually abused as a young boy in his tribal community, Dwight kept it secret suffering immense physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual damage. He spent decades wrestling shame, depression, and addiction before finding therapy and “Wellbriety.”

Once silent, Dwight now courageously shares what’s helped him heal his soul wound, save his inner-child and set himself free – all while honoring his creator and culture. 

Chuck Carpenter has told very few people about his abusive childhood. In fact, this is his very first time speaking about it publicly.

As a Gen Xer, Chuck grew up in the era of “suck it up” “boys don’t cry” and corporal punishment at school. Which made it tricky to identify that what was happening at home was abuse. That is, until his father’s routine beatings became chokings. With little help from family members, Chuck became depressed, escapist, and completely avoided relationships.

When he unexpectedly met someone special, he became determined to break his family's multi-generational cycle of abuse. 

When Malaun Rice was 10-years old, she followed a runaway kitten to a neighbor’s yard where she was abducted, held captive, and sexually assaulted. Her attacker was convicted, but Malaun remained imprisoned with anger and unwanted emotions.

Outwardly successful, but inwardly depressed, she searched for solace in food, alcohol, even church. None of it worked for her. Then she realized the only thing that was going to set her free… was herself.

High profile news anchor by day, drug addict by night. Brandon Lee’s destructive double-life started at a young age. Growing up in an affluent Southern California community, life looked picture-perfect. But privilege couldn’t protect him from abuse, neglect, and being molested by a soccer coach and a piano teacher.

Brandon spiraled into a world of drugs and sex work before moving to New York where he was re-traumatized by the 9/11 attacks sending his addiction and self-harm into overdrive. it took nearly dying before Brandon chose to start living.

With the help of deep trauma healing and painting, Brandon found peace, success, and his true colors. Then the pandemic hit and he faced his most life-altering test yet.

Childhelp Dare to Care focuses on the powerful and emotional stories of child abuse survivors. Each episode features a survivor who bravely shares their experience, shedding light on the trauma they endured and their journey toward healing and empowerment.

Through these candid conversations, this podcast aims to break the silence surrounding this topic, encourage dialogue, and empower individuals to take action against abuse.

Learn more at childhelp.org