[Content Warning]: Child sexual abuse, incest
Today, Jan is joined by Aleesha Barlow, a sur-thrivivor of child abuse and the origin story of the Tell Somebody movement. As a child, she was molested by her maternal grandfather. At age 6, she told her aunt. Aleesha was then instructed by her 2 aunts and mother, to keep it a secret from the police and her own father with the promise the abuse would stop. Aleesha was still brought around her grandfather, and unfortunately the abuse continued until she was a teenager. It took Aleesha 20 years to tell her dad, but the moment she did, she felt an immediate weight lifted off her shoulders that she wants all survivors to feel, so she started the Tell Somebody movement. She shares many different survivors' stories on her platform, and she travels the world teaching kids to speak up and tell somebody if they are being touched inappropriately, with her Amazon’s Best Seller “Tell Somebody: The Basics” children's book.
Aleesha discusses the emotional impact of abuse on relationships and self-esteem, emphasizing the importance of breaking the abuse cycle. She faces challenges in getting schools to address child abuse and reaches out to families through her 'Reach the Unreachable' series. The conversation highlights the need for more support and funding for abuse survivors, and the importance of education and early intervention. Aleesha shares her experiences with public figures and emphasizes caution in trusting others. She and Jan stress the importance of educating children about body safety and encourage survivors to share their stories to break the cycle of abuse.
Get Your Copy Of 'Tell Somebody'
Follow Aleesha:
TellSomebodyToday.com
Insta: @_QueenLeesh / @TellSomebodyMovement
TikTok
Facebook
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or suicidal ideation, please access the resources below:
National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call/Text 988
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) : 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
National Alliance for Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264
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