In my This is Paris YouTube Originals documentary, I told my story as an abuse survivor. As a teenager placed in congregate care facilities I endured unspeakable abuses–verbal, physical, mental, emotional–that no child should ever have to go through. For the first time, I told the public how this trauma has carried into my adulthood, after making a promise to myself to never speak my truth. The truth has set me free. These institutions are meant for healing and therapy, but the lack of oversight and regulation of these facilities have led to abuse for hundreds of thousands of young people. I am no longer ashamed of my past. I stand by all abuse survivors and I am fighting to protect children for generations to come. I am turning my pain into purpose. #BreakingCodeSilence
