April is the month where many people bring light to the the issue of childhood sexual/physical abuse. Childhood sexual trauma is real and it is happening at an alarming rate. If you turned on your local news you’d see stories of children being sold into sex trafficking or school teachers having inappropriate relationships with young students. Childhood abuse has many faces and it’s important for us to have these discussions, we can’t afford to sweep it under the rug and act like it isn’t happening. I began my journey in 2012, I finally opened up about my childhood trauma after three decades of silence here’s the link, ressurrection.wordpress.com/2012/04/10/marko-hamlin-one-mans-story-of-overcoming-child-sexual-abuse-and-depression/ I’m on a mission to raise awareness and to help victims heal. There are many victims suffering in silence today, it’s not about me alone but I want to give those people a voice. I also want to prevent other children from becoming victims.
Statistics show that 1 out of 6 men will be sexually abused by the age of 18. I disagree with this statistic because many men live in silence and take those secrets with them to their graves. Many cases are never reported because many men are taught to be tough and to never display any form of emotion under any circumstance. Many men who’ve experience childhood abuse live in shame, I want to help those men and can do so with the help of my community. Please help me reach my goal. I’ve created a nonprofit Need You To Survive (N.Y.T.S.) we are a Christian based organization and our focus is helping male victims of sexual abuse. N.Y.T.S. will create a safe environment for men to open up and begin the healing process. There are many resources for women victims but not for male survivors. We will conduct workshops and use other resources to educate and equip male victims so they can live extraordinary lives. We will partner with local counseling services to ensure that our men are getting the proper help and are able to deal with issues such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, and depression. Mental illness is a taboo subject and often frowned upon, it needs to be addressed in order for victims to be able to move forward. Healing is process, it doesn’t happen over night. I believe as men begin their process to recovery, families can be restored and reconciliation can take place. We are also planning an annual “No More Silence” Hoops Tournament, we also want to include a Freedom walk, where we can support victims of child abuse in the DC Metropolitan area. We will engage our communities and teach them the many signs of abuse. Education is critical and could help prevent children from becoming targets. If you want to partner with us please feel free to donate here: www.gofundme.com/markohamlin any amount would be appreciated.
Thank you for your support and you can reach me at mdhamlin@needyoutosurvive.com with any questions.
Marko Hamlin “an overcomer”
Marko Hamlin 