Kaitlyn Wright

My name is Kaitlyn Wright. Previously I was Kaitlyn Lawrence. Daughter of Joey Lawrence and Nicole Lawrence. I am the youngest of three kids. When I was about eight or so years old I started to be molested by my father, as the years went on manipulation and control took more of an effect on me. Then it turned into rape and abuse. This went on for over 10 years. It almost broke me down to nothing. It was to the point I didn't know if I was even worth anything or worth the voice. I even tried to commit suicide. This man had me so far in his clutches he was controlling me from jail. I was sending him my whole paycheck and didn’t even have enough for bills. He even had random people coming to my house to keep tabs on me and make sure I was being loyal to him. I was scared for my life. I had minimal access to technology. I had no phone. I had no computer. When I did have access to those things they were closely monitored and I didn't have the freedom to search for ways to get help. I didn’t even have the freedom to talk to my family without him looking through all the messages and checking the times to make sure there wasn’t a gap in the message times. He would track how long I was on the internet for and look at all my search history. Just the thought of having my own computer or phone or tablet at the age of even 17 would have been game changing for my situation.  I feel like I would have better been equipped to get help. Reach out and find resources that would help me guide me in the right direction to getting out of his grasp. At the age of 20 I finally got the ability to face my abuser and file charges. At the age of 24 I finally got to see my father put behind bars. I broke down in the courtroom telling him how much he affected me and all the therapy I have had and am still going through because of him. I am now 26. It still haunts me everyday what happened to me for so long. Just the name Joey haunts me and I can't even think straight. I have PTSD and nightmares because of him. Before I didn't even think I'd make it this far in life. Now I  know that I am worth the time. I am a voice to speak for myself. I can be a voice to speak for others. I can scream from the rooftops what happened to me and not be ashamed. I did what I had to to survive and nobody can tell me what I had to do was wrong because I did that to preserve who I am today. It helped me grow and it helped me become strong and powerful. A smile can change someone's day. A voice can change the life of someone else if you give it the chance. Thankfully I have people that have helped me find resources to help with recovery. I have learned that there are organizations that can help with therapy and even get you out of abusive situations safely and efficiently. Now there is a place that can help those in need get the technology they need to be better equipped to find help. This is that organization. I speak to let you know how big of a difference just a simple piece of technology can change someone's life.