Stolen Innocence: Triumphing Over a Childhood Broken by Abuse: A Memoir

Eleven-year-old Erin Merryn's life was transformed on the night she was sexually abused by her cousin someone she loved and trusted. As the abuse continued and as she was forced to see her abuser over and over again in social situations she struggled with self-doubt panic attacks nightmares and the weight of whether or not to tell her terrible secret. It wasn't until a traumatic series of events showed her the cost of silence that she chose to speak out-in the process destroying both her family and the last of her innocence. Through her personal diary written during the years of her abuse Erin Merryn shares her journey through pain and confusion to inner strength and ultimately forgiveness. Raw powerful and unflinchingly honest Stolen Innocence is the inspiring story of one girl's struggle to become a woman and a bright light on the pain and devastation of abuse. Stolen Innocence is written with conviction and clarity. [Erin Merryn] doesn't hold back and I respect her honesty and openness...By the end of the book I thought I was reading passages from a much older adult than a high school senior. Erin has grown into a strong wise intelligent perceptive spiritual caring adult.--Susan Reedquist The Children's Advocacy Center

Paperback: 266 pages

Publisher: Hci (January 1 2005)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0757302823

ISBN-13: 978-0757302824

Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.6 x 8.5 inches

Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces