Support Carla and Adrian's Fresh Start

Hello, my name is Carla Duenas. I’m 19 years old and I’m seeking help to move out along with my younger brother Adrian (17) out of a toxic and abusive household. When I was 13, I was sexually assaulted by someone very close to me, a close father figure, who some time later, would marry my mother. My mother has since then covered it up with so many years of physical and verbal abuse every time I’ve tried to speak on it and has used my experience as a weapon against him to her advantage. I’ve been in and out of therapy regarding chronic severe depression and suicidal tendencies. My mother nearly gave me my escape at (16) by calling the cops on my stepdad for her own reasons by using my story to get back at him, she later made me take back my story and lie to cps who visited our home for weeks until the case was dropped, my chance to be heard was gone. My brother Adrian has been my rock and my strength during all these dark years of being unheard and scolded by our own mother. I’m now speaking up about my story because I owe it to my younger self and my baby brother to give us a new life, that everything is gonna be okay and that I matter, he matters, and our voice most certainly does too.

I am never the type to bring things to the internet or let alone ask for help but I am currently still living with my parents and have been on the verge of being kicked out every time I speak up and everyday I am more and more concerned for our safety. Living and affording to move out on our own in this economy sounds almost impossible but we need out.

I’m tired of keeping my head down to give peace to the people who’ve not only damaged but have taken my youth from me, I’m not gonna be silent any longer. SA Awareness month is every month. I will never be silent again. Thanks in advance to anyone who can contribute and literally anything helps. Lots of love, Carla and Adrian