Amazon #1 Best Seller in Inner Child and Self Help for Abuse!
How Do You Keep A Secret For 50 Years?
Shattering Silence: A Story of Survival, Justice, and the Power of Telling the Truth
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Darlene Lekowski had a perfectly normal childhood. The youngest of five siblings in an upper middle class family, she lived in a beautiful house in the kind of neighborhood where all the kids play in the street and dads whistle out the back door when it’s time to come home for dinner. Popular at school, Darlene was involved in everything from sports to ice skating to church youth group. Her life, to some, might seem idyllic.
Except, Darlene had a secret.
From the age of seven, Darlene was sexually abused by her two oldest brothers. These assaults were periodic, sometimes years apart, leaving her confused, scared, and unsure of the future. The one thing that was constant were the threats. Threats that if she told anyone, she would be sent away, labeled as “dirty”, and responsible for tearing apart her family.
Darlene believed those threats. And so she kept that secret.
Following the death of her mother in 2021 — and the fact her dad had dementia for years — Darlene confronted her brothers with the sole intent of finally receiving an apology for their actions. Instead, one of her brothers sued her for defamation. Distraught at the thought of having her trauma relived in detail in a court of law, but firm in her conviction about what was true, Darlene countersued….
And WON!
Darlene’s memoir is the story of her experience with sibling sexual assault (SSA), how it shaped who she became, and the work she’s done to recover, heal, and move forward with her life. What starts as a tragic beginning becomes a story of hope and resilience as Darlene finds purpose in becoming an advocate for kids like herself who never had a voice. Her mantra, “Your story always matters”, reminds people of all ages that it’s never too late to shine light on the truth.
What Readers Are Saying
“Shattering Silence” is an enlightening and powerful true story. Darlene Lekowski shares her life experiences with painful detail, capturing the reader’s interest immediately. I read it in a single sitting, unable to put it down or step away. The facts are painful and Darlene’s honesty is refreshing.”
-Burgess
Darlene shows incredible strength and fortitude in sharing her story and getting justice for the abuse she suffered at the hands of her own siblings. The book kept my rapt attention throughout. While some of it is difficult to hear, it is important to understand how this type of abuse can affect a child and the adult they become.
- Maria Socolof, President and Cofounder of 5WAVES, Inc. and Author of The Invisible Key: Unlocking the Mystery of My Chronic Pain
Humanizing and eye opening. As a 23 year old male, this book changed my perspective on people. Makes me wonder how many folks are living in silence. Highly recommend!
-Jay
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