Types of Sexual Trauma
Dennis Gilbert Garcia
“It took a long time for me to look at the child I was and say to him, 'It's ok, you've got me now,' and just focus on learning to be a whole person again.”
← Back to stories
Kevin Taylor’s story
The Bristlecone Project · Relationships
This conversation discusses sexual abuse. Watch at your own pace.
A story, in his own words.
Kevin Taylor opens up about abuse at the hands of those he trusted most and a pedophile ring he encountered in his childhood, as well as the role that sports, the military, education, and therapy played in his recovery.
Abuse by Trusted Adults & Pedophile Ring | Male Sexual Abuse
Kevin Taylor’s written story
Kevin's life trajectory changed at four, when a man came into his life eventually marrying his mother. The man's mental abuse and escalating violence turned into savagery when Kevin was eight witnessing the ruthless beating of his mother so severe he couldn't recognize her face. Not long after that event a neighborhood man befriended him. Like every abused child, Kevin craved positive attention. Taking advantage, the man groomed Kevin, sexually abusing him for months into the winter following his ninth birthday. He was then passed to another man, turning his life into a living hell. For three years, Kevin was sexually abused and tortured by a pedophile ring in secret, leaving him scarred, physically and emotionally, all while the abuse at home never stopped.
At twelve, Kevin mustered the nerve to disclose. His first choice was his coach, but growing up Catholic he went to the priest of his church. The priest comforted him, initially giving him hope. Then the priest proceeded to sexually abuse Kevin until he was thirteen.
Kevin buried it all aside from the concurrent mental and physical abuse at home, leaving early, never looking back. He struggled but went on to graduate high school; music and wrestling his saving grace. Crediting the impact of his wrestling coaches, friends, that of a couple teachers, and lastly his recruiters. Kevin enlisted in the Marine Corps finding family, significance, and purpose. But, untreated scars from his childhood combined with events in the service and a virulent PTSD ended his career. After discharge, Kevin became homeless, feeling defeated, hopeless, and consumed by the isolating sense survivors share… that he was the only one.
Years passed where a solidity grew. Kevin escaped homelessness while fighting the abuse aftereffects and built a support system. With therapy and encouragement Kevin enrolled in college earning a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and Master's in counseling. He now focuses his practice on treating male survivors of sexual trauma.
Though Kevin struggles sometimes daily, and the transformation is painful, messy and imperfect, the courageous Kevin who was always there persists, and the future looks very different from his brutal past.
You don’t have to carry it alone
Support, when you’re ready.
Find a support group, explore common questions, or connect with someone who can help.
More voices. More ways forward.
Self-blame
Rees Mann
“When I told my kids, that was a major thing.”
Grooming
Anthony Edwards
“I used acting for many years as a survival technique.”