Episode 71. *This episode deals with the subject of child sexual abuse, listener discretion is advised.*
Valerie Dimino joins Linda to talk about her experience coauthoring the memoir, The Man Behind the Curtain, her debut book.
From the back of the book:
"Jessica Renee was 11 years old when her stepfather began routinely raping and sexually assaulting her. Only when she was 15 and her boyfriend asked the right questions did the truth come to light—a terrible truth that her mother chose not to believe. Backed by a church community that believed a woman's duty was to support her husband above all else, Jessica's mother and countless other family and friends turned against her, labeling her a sinner even as her rapist was convicted.
Throughout the long road to that conviction, Jessica often felt she didn't have a voice, as she was continually questioned, criticized, and cast aside. She is ready to make her voice heard now and provide a guiding light for those who are still searching for hope."
Valerie Dimino holds her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in creative writing and has 14 years of professional writing, editing, and marketing experience in the fields of higher education, performing arts, and medical informatics.
This story, even though difficult, must be brought out into the open. As a child, Jessica’s life was stolen from her without her permission.
In this conversation, Valerie and Linda discuss how she walked alongside Jessica, using words to bring a light to an impossible story that will leave you angry, frustrated, uncomfortable as well as riveted and hopeful.
Listeners need to know about the invaluable support that Jessica received from an organization called 'Bikers Against Child Abuse.' Their support was so key to helping Jessica that we wanted to be sure they were highlighted. You can learn more about this amazing organization at bacaworld.org.
Follow Valerie on Linked In, Twitter and Instagram.
If you know or suspect a child is being abused, you can contact:
Childhelp®
Phone: 800.4.A.CHILD (800.422.4453)
People They Help: Child abuse victims, parents, concerned individuals
In cases of child sexual abuse, contact:
Darkness to Light
Phone: 866.FOR.LIGHT (866.367.5444)
People They Help: Children and adults needing local information or resources about sexual abuse
In cases of Rape/Incest, contact:
Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN)
Phone: 800.656.HOPE (800.656.4673)
People They Help: Rape and incest victims, media, policymakers, concerned individuals
From Child Welfare Information Gateway
What came up for you as a result of this conversation? Let Linda know by going to Normal-Lies.com and leave a review. Linda reads every one and every month, she chooses one review to read on air.
If you have a question or a topic you'd like addressed on an upcoming episode, go to Normal-Lies.com and click the contact page to send Linda a message.
Be sure to follow Linda on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Linked In.
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