Issue 34: Amanda – Ms. West Newfoundland United World 2023

T.W. SA & CA

1 in 3, the ratio of children who are subject to a form of sexual, mental, and physical abuse. 1 in 3, the ratio of children exposed to this violence since the existence of humankind. 1 in 3, the ratio of children who will not feel safe in their surroundings. When do these children stop being just another statistic?

Childhood Abuse/Trauma has been an issue in society for centuries, but why has nothing been done to save these children from this reality? Human beings naturally ignore situations/issues uncomfortable to us, hence the overwhelming prevalence of children experiencing exposure to abuse due to the lack of awareness, representation, and systemic change. Speaking about this matter allows us to protect our future generations, which is precisely Amanda’s REAL WHY behind sharing her story globally.

For the past six years, Amanda has dedicated countless hours to raising awareness of Childhood Abuse, with a predominant focus on Sexual Abuse. As a Childhood Sexual Abuse survivor, Amanda uses her voice to advocate for the millions of children impacted by such trauma. She recounts:

“I am a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, which I did not recognize until later. I self-medicated, had extremely low self-esteem, long-lasting depression, and high anxiety, and was also suicidal. Honestly, I barely made it day to day while attending university. I did not realize my mental health issues stemmed from abuse a decade earlier. Once I recognized the abuse and realized I was hurting myself more, I sought the correct help I needed and changed my life forever. I knew I could not have been the only adult who had faced the abuse I had; I knew I needed to help others. I started to do more research and found organizations to volunteer with – I started to make a positive change in my life and my community. Having children of my own, this issue is even dearer to my heart. I do not want my children or any other child to go through avoidable traumatic events that will change them for the remainder of their lives.”

Amanda’s courage to speak the truth allows other survivors to grow through the trauma we have experienced. Her story has been shared with the school system and Educational Ministers on strategies to detect abuse in early childhood and adolescence. Pageantry has allowed Amanda to speak about Childhood Abuse and her triumphant story of resiliency on multiple stages within Canada and platforms across North America.

In addition to sharing her survival story, Amanda volunteers for numerous community initiatives. As a Certified Peer Mentor, the Survivors of Abuse Recovering (S.O.A.R.) organization allows her to expand her impact. She supports adult survivors on their road to self-love, acceptance and strategies for coping with post-trauma experiences. Amanda also facilitates group and one-to-one sessions to support as many survivors as possible in an inclusive, safe atmosphere.

Childhood abuse profoundly impacts survivors, especially during adulthood; the time to act is NOW. Bringing awareness to the experiences and resiliency stories saves more lives from post-trauma.

Amanda would like you, the reader, to know:

“Even though I have faced struggles in my childhood, I do not let them define who I am today. I am a mother, a fiancé, a pageant queen, an active community member, a volunteer, and so much more. Overcoming struggles we face is the biggest accomplishment anyone can have.”

Amanda had pursued a career in Sales and Marketing majority of her working career until last year when she decided to make a career change. After experiencing a life-changing event, Amanda supported an elderly gentleman who passed away from a heart attack and drove into a ravine. Amanda supported and comforted this gentleman until he took his last breath. She knew from this moment the importance of life, it being more than transactional; she knew she needed to be in a career supporting others.

Through her professional and personal experiences, Amanda Founded Sexual Abuse Survivor Support (S.A.S.S.). An organization offering information and support to those affected by Sexual Violence or who know someone who is a survivor. Her social media presence sheds light on the thoughts and feelings survivors experience, how to support someone during triggering moments, outreach information, and more!

Want to learn more about Amanda and her platform? Check out her Instagram

@amandanoelle.official

Are you someone who is a positive change-maker? Have a story to tell? Passionate about a particular issue? Contact The REAL Resilient Michayla Del Guidice for more information:

Michayla Del Guidice | RSSW., B.A., M.Ed. Candidate., Doctoral Applicant

Work with me in 2023 - Email: resiliencyspeaks@gmail.com

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