I’m L.M. Carleton—an abuse survivor, mother, and professional caregiver who spent more than twenty years caring for older adults and individuals with physical and mental disabilities. Through reflective writing and faith, I share the wisdom I’ve gained to encourage survivors of childhood abuse, adverse childhood experiences, and domestic violence to find healing, hope, and freedom.
Leaving home and carrying the wounds of childhood.
Beginning Abuse Journal and bringing hidden wounds into the light.
Writing with hope, faith, and freedom.
I grew up in a dysfunctional family, experiencing the trauma of childhood abuse and neglect before enduring domestic violence after leaving home at eighteen.
I understand how difficult it is to live in fear of an abuser, feeling trapped in what seems like a hopeless situation as anxiety grips the mind and anguish fills the heart.
I know how hard it is to speak about the abuse you’ve endured. You long to forget the worst moments of your life, yet the emotional wounds remain, carrying the weight of guilt, shame, and painful memories.
Finding the courage to bring those hidden wounds into the light is never easy. But I’ve learned that healing often begins when we stop carrying those burdens alone. Acknowledging the past helps break unhealthy patterns, replaces shame with truth, and opens the door to hope, healing, and freedom.
That’s why I created Abuse Journal—to walk alongside adult survivors as they understand abuse, begin healing, and discover the lasting hope found through God’s grace.
Finding Wisdom Through the Healing Journey
I’ve learned that acknowledging the past does more than uncover painful memories.
It gives us the wisdom to understand how childhood abuse, neglect, and domestic violence have shaped our lives. That understanding becomes the foundation for healing and the freedom to make different choices.
At the age of forty-eight, an unexpected encounter with my estranged husband on a dating website became a turning point. God used that moment to stop me from running from the past.
I began writing as a way to release years of pain and unanswered questions.
As I reflected on my childhood and the years I spent in an abusive marriage, hidden memories surfaced. I wrote honestly about childhood trauma, domestic violence, and the long-lasting effects abuse had on my life.
More than anything, I cried out to God with one simple question:
“Lord, why do I always suffer?”
Looking back now, I realize God wasn’t ignoring my question.
He was leading me toward understanding.
As He illuminated the darkness, I began recognizing abusive patterns, understanding why unhealthy relationships had shaped my life, and discovering how His love, compassion, and grace could bring lasting healing.
Along the way, He taught me lessons I never expected to learn.
Lessons about surviving abuse, breaking unhealthy patterns, forgiveness, hope, finding purpose in suffering, and freedom.
Those lessons have become the heart of Abuse Journal.
Today, they continue to shape every article, reflection, and resource I share with others walking the healing journey.
Topics You’ll Find Throughout Abuse Journal
Understanding Abuse
- Childhood Abuse
- Child Sexual Abuse
- Child Neglect
- Domestic Violence
- Dysfunctional Families
- Unhealthy Relationships
Healing
- Fear
- Shame
- Guilt
- Anger
- Resentment
- Personal Boundaries
- Forgiveness
Reflection & Growth
- Self-Reflection
- Reflective Writing
- Poor Choices
- Abandonment
- Perfectionism
- Emotional Distress
- Mental Distress
- Death and Dying
Healing for Adult Survivors of Childhood Abuse
What began as a personal journal has grown into a place of hope for adult survivors of childhood abuse and domestic violence.
For years, Abuse Journal has shared personal stories, biblical wisdom, practical guidance, and faith-filled encouragement to help survivors understand abuse, begin healing, and find lasting hope through God’s grace.
Today, Abuse Journal continues to serve those who are beginning the healing journey.
If you’re searching for answers, I invite you to explore the articles and resources throughout this site.
If you’d like to read my complete story, The Secret Darkness: Overcoming Abuse and Finding Freedom shares the journey God used to transform my life from fear and brokenness to healing, hope, and freedom.
You can also visit my author website to learn more about my books and the resources created to encourage survivors on their healing journey.
My prayer is that you find the courage to acknowledge the past, discover the wisdom that leads to healing, and experience the lasting hope found through faith in Jesus Christ.
Thank you for allowing me to walk alongside you.
L.M. CARLETON
Rescued by Grace