By Jordeen Bishop
Life started out not so well for me as a child, when my psychotic mother would give up all parental rights to my father when I was four. We expect our mothers to be loving, caring and protect us from all evil but what do you do when she is “the evil one”? As some have lived through the horrors of a dysfunctional childhood, I would soon have the same experience from years of emotional and verbal abuse to her showing me what violence looks like in motion.
Molestation by a neighbor and later by a stepbrother would show what sexual love does not look like. This would occur over an almost five year period and ending abruptly. Years later bullying in junior high and high school would become the new norm for me in what being unpopular and different looks like. It was a living hell for me.
Life after high school was seriously rough from learning what it is like to be in financial ruins, loss of a job, bankrupt, loss of friends, feeling like a loser and being estranged from my father.
Rounding up all of this evil in this world, I would find myself in an unexpected situation of being sexually assaulted by a Canadian Police Officer and being so traumatized by the event(s) that I did not report it.
I had suicidal thoughts and made several attempts from the age of five until 23 years old. I was on the brink of a major breakdown.
Reaching out to friends in various professions and with my husband stepping into my life at the right time, I knew at that moment my life had been spared from my suicidal thoughts and attempts. In fact, I had no financial or events planned after my 26th birthday, as I had hoped I would have left this Earth on my own free will. Fortunately, God instead had other plans for me and changed my heart, soul and mind.
Though life has been a struggle early on in life, I promise there is HOPE waiting for you at the end of your dark tunnel. When you reach out, you are showing STRENGTH by being surrounded by love, compassion, listening ears, shoulder to cry on and with open arms. That my friend, is being STRONG.
Safe Call Now: 24 Hour Hotline: 206-459-3020
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Published by armorupnow
Sean Riley is the Founder and President of Safe Call Now, a confidential, comprehensive, 24-hour crisis referral service for public safety employees, all emergency services personnel and their family members nationwide. Safe Call Now was started in 2009 after legislation was passed guaranteeing confidentiality nationwide for all who call the Safe Call Now crisis line that is staffed by current and former first responders.
Sean played baseball for San Diego State University and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Public Administration. He started his law enforcement career as a San Diego County Deputy Sheriff in 1987 and later relocated to Washington State in 1990. Sean spent over 16 years with the Kirkland Police Department. His many accomplishments include being a member of the International Homicide Investigator's Association, Homicide and Sexual Assault Detective, Interview and Interrogation Specialist, D.A.R.E. Officer, Gang Officer and Certified Training Officer. Riley is also credited with solving one of the first ever elder abuse homicide cases in the nation.
Sean's prominent career in law enforcement ended in 2005 when he could no longer hide his "secret" behind the badge. Sean threw away his almost 20-year stellar police career due to alcohol and drug addiction and was headed towards suicide to become just another unknown statistic. In addition to attending college for substance abuse counseling, Sean worked as a supervisor at a local treatment center where he witnessed many public safety employees coming in and out of treatment. Riley decided to do something about it. From his own experience, he knew that first responders wanted to come forward to help, but due to the stigma attached, they would not. Admitting to a substance abuse or mental health problem is perceived as a sign of weakness and could result in the termination from a noble career. By creating a safe and confidential place to reach out for help, first responders are now coming forward in droves from around the nation to better their lives, better their families and better their careers.
Recognized as a dynamic national keynote speaker, Sean travels throughout the country to share his inspirational story. Coupled with cutting edge, interactive training, Riley hits those once thought of as "taboo" or "controversial" topics head-on.
"Safe Call Now provides education, healthy alternatives, resources and a complete continuum of care to save lives and put families back together. Through a collaborative effort, Safe Call Now has discovered when you provide an opportunity for an individual to get their life and their family back, you get one great employee back out serving the public."
- Sean Riley, Founder/President
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