Opening Your Eyes to Child Abuse

Many people asked me whether it was challenging to write about abuse. Sadly, the abuse parts of the book come from real stories I have heard from child abuse victims. I wanted to bring the truth of how abuse feels, the rawness of being crushed by someone you often know, and the long-term ramifications. Only through understanding the horror can we begin to reduce the number of abused children as well as show victims how spirituality can help with healing.

Interestingly, early this week, I attended the world premiere of an opera composed by Jimmy Lopéz Bellido and performed by renowned tenor Michael Fabiano. “Quiet Poems is a collaboration between Lopéz and Nilo Cruz, who previously collaborated on the opera “Bel Canto. The poems presented immigration through the eyes of children held in captivity. “Tango for a Rapist” made my heart stop as the searing words were like the images I tried to convey in “When the Birds Stopped Singing.”

 I want people to understand that child abuse is an epidemic in the United States. Abused children languish in foster care and have no money for college, and unless they can get a scholarship, they have little opportunity to attend. They also have a higher probability of mental and physical ailments and a more challenging time getting a high-paying job. We must care about this issue and set aside money and services to help them.