Sarah Hayes shares her story of growing up in a family where sexual abuse began at an incredibly young age and continued for years at the hands of her older brother. With the adults around her repeatedly failing to intervene, Sarah was left to grow up alongside abuse while also taking on a caregiving role with her youngest sister, Dani, who she describes as being like her own baby. Years later, Sarah would become Dani’s legal guardian while still trying to navigate the effects of her own childhood. What followed would leave Sarah carrying a devastating loss alongside the trauma she had already spent much of her life trying to understand.
Years later, Sarah began writing about her experiences as a way to process what had happened, never expecting those pages to eventually become her book, Invisible Monster. She opens up about what ultimately pushed her to put her name and story behind it, the complicated reality of speaking publicly about abuse within your own family, and the emotional toll that came with telling her story. Today, Sarah is using what she survived to work with children who have experienced trauma, hoping to give them the encouragement and support she and her sisters needed when they were young.
Sarah’s Links:
Sarah’s Book - Invisible Monster
Invisible Monster Etsy Shop
https://share.google/3rCBnchGRcq2TjIjh
Resources:
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
988
RAINN
24/7 confidential support, online chat & hotline
1-800-656-HOPE
Beyond the Monsters Socials:
https://www.instagram.com/beyondthemonsters
https://linktr.ee/BeyondtheMonsters
Disclaimer: This podcast shares personal experiences and educational discussion. It is not medical or mental health advice. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your own care.
Topic: Childhood SA (CSA), Suicide Loss, Childhood Trauma, Complex PTSD, Loss & Grief, SSA
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