I Am the Mom Who Couldn't Protect Her Daughter

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Editor’s Note: This post discusses sexual abuse

I am the mom.

I am the mom who thought she could keep her daughter safe.

I am the mom whose 6-year-old came to her one night to say she had been molested by an older cousin.

I am the mom who told my daughter’s dad.

I am the mom who didn’t know who to tell that my daughter had been molested.

I am the mom who called her daughter’s school counselor.

I am the mom who sat with my daughter during her forensic interview.

I am the mom who took her daughter to therapy sessions.

I am the mom who attended court hearings.

I am the mom who read her daughter’s victim statement.

I am the mom who held her daughter when she had nightmares and could not be comforted by her dad.

I am the mom who learned her daughter had planned her suicide.

I am the mom who watched her daughter sleep.

I am the mom who watched her daughter move forward for molestation.

I am the mom who needed counseling to forgive herself for not protecting her daughter.

I am the mom who forgave her nephew with her daughter’s help.

I am the mom who keeps her daughter’s secret, allowing her to share her story when and if she chooses.

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Editor’s Note: This post discusses sexual abuse

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