Hurt people hurt people, but healed people heal people.

For more than two decades I have walked a healing journey to rediscover who I am. Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that 263 million women have experienced sexual violence by a non-partner since age 15. In the United States, nearly half of adult women have experienced some form of unwanted sexual contact. Studies show that approximately 83% of adults with developmental disabilities have experienced sexual abuse. Every girl and woman has the God-given right to say “No” to unwanted touch—even when coercion is used.

After years of advocating for parental rights and working to protect children across this nation, I was blessed with the opportunity to share my testimony with millions on Soft White Underbelly. My whole life I tried to bury the truth. It’s okay to not be okay. It’s okay to ask for help. It is not okay to normalize inappropriate behavior from those in authority.

I am humbled to be a voice for the voiceless and a champion for survivors of childhood trauma, trafficking, and domestic violence. My story shows that even a broken teenager can go through multiple trials and still rise above the typical paths of destruction.

From being served at a soup kitchen to being served at the Governor’s mansion—I have lived both the American dream and an American nightmare. As a homeless child I endured over a decade of sexual abuse. School was my only safe place. After losing my father and brother in high school, I questioned my very existence and needed an adult to simply listen.

Breaking generational curses, no matter someone’s race, religion, or politics, is essential if we are to rise above exploitation. My mission is to save children by spreading the hope of resilience and helping the broken become magnificent mosaics. Over the past five years I have worked with organizations on the front lines of protecting children. It has been placed on my heart to move beyond division and address the root of trauma so we can truly unite as a country.

Coming from a family with two generations of military service, I speak as an American Patriot. If my testimony can give one hurting child hope or encourage one adult to step forward, I will have done what I was called to do.

I am grateful for the platform Soft White Underbelly gave me to share my journey. I know the pain of feeling invisible and suffering in silence.

Today I face the very real possibility of losing my legal representation—the support I need to hold individuals accountable and continue fighting for my parental rights. Many who watched my story have asked how they can help. Any amount toward legal fees makes a difference. Your prayers are powerful and deeply appreciated.

Please stand with me as I continue this mission of hope and healing.

Thank you and God bless

All the best,

Marleatia "Tia" Bess

An excerpt from my story:

It was 2:00am in North Africa as I laid on the bathroom floor in a pool of my own blood. Why was I hurting so much? Was my baby still alive? Am I dying? The excruciating pain for the next few hours was enough for me to wake up from the delusion of "He's just being a man." Every man in my life has either used me or abused me.

I lost my brother and father my junior and senior year of high school so I was the perfect target for predators. I had every generational curse dumped in my bloodline which the was the perfect recipe for a life of addiction. Was I resilient enough to make it out alive?

If I could escape the drug filled neighborhoods without succumbing, I could make it.

If I could graduate high-school after being homeless twice, I could make it.

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Would you like to hear more of my story?

You'll laugh, you'll cry...but most of all, you will understand the world from a unique perspective.

Watch the full video below:

https://youtu.be/6NHanpNUxYE?si=9Ed2Ih27Bk12nvXF

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