She Survived Childhood Sexual Abuse , And Now She’s on a Mission to Help Others Heal
Known as a coach, speaker, mentor, author, and recognized figure on child sex abuse. Latisha B. Russell is on a mission to reconcile trauma, restore hope, and relieve stigmas among those who have endured childhood sexual abuse and trauma. Her experience with childhood sexual trauma is firsthand. She is a SURVIVOR. Her smile comes with a painful story and a message of transparency that we all desire to live by.
It is Latisha’s personal experience that has fueled her passion and desire to help others heal. “Many people see the healed version of someone but miss what it takes to be on the other side. Healing isn’t linear. It’s ugly, it’s scary, it’s lonely but it’s necessary! As a survivor of trauma, each day brings a sense of peace and fulfillment. Each day forces you to use your “get back up” muscle. I had to learn that healing had to happen for me. Not because I needed validation but because I needed peace.”
For several years, beginning at seven, Latisha’s mother’s second husband sexually abused her. Dealing with this abuse would set the stage for years to come. “I was a child who never experienced having a first love of a father. I grew up in a physically abusive household. My mother loved me, but the abuse was all she knew, so how could she protect me.” It took Latisha years to process the level of abuse she endured in her lifetime. It wasn’t just sexual abuse; it was emotional and mental abuse. Latisha had to learn how to sit with it and love herself—opening up and writing her memoir was integral to her healing.
Latisha’s memoir, The Naked Truth, is a 12-round match depicting “one fighters” story. The Naked Truth is a raw, unfiltered version of the sexual abuse Latisha endured and how this set the trajectory of her life. One of Latisha’s experiences shared in The Naked Truth is the physically abusive relationships she thought were normal. She mentions how her definition of love was toxic. “If there were no fights, no deep hurt and crazy passion, it wasn’t love. If we didn’t cut each other deep, it wasn’t love. What’s a relationship without a few bruises and a broken heart?” This was the life Latisha knew until her 30’s. She secretly spiraled until she was finally tired of being tired and hit her version of rock bottom. From abuse to promiscuity to depression, Latisha fought her way to healing.”
According to Latisha, she wrote The Naked Truth from the perspective of a liberated adult and her mission to set others free. She states that writing her memoir wasn’t for her. It is for women and girls who don’t have a voice.
“I wrote “The Naked Truth” so others will believe they are worthy and there is peace after the storm. The minute you shed light on your truth is the moment you regain your power.”
Latisha B. Russell, the author of The Naked Truth, also shared an inspirational message for her readers and followers, saying:
“I invite you to chase freedom and self-love. There is power in truth, even if the truth is messy and unpopular. Forgiveness is a decision, not an emotion, and my story isn’t meant to be my fortress. It’s meant to be my fuel.”When Latisha’s not crusading for the children of others, she loves doting on her own daughters and spending time with extended family, friends, working out and traveling. Whether a mom, HR professional or child sexual survivor, you couldn’t ask for a better champion in our children’s lives.
For more details about Latisha, her book, The Naked Truth or coaching program, you can connect with her on all social media platforms- Latisha B. Russell and her website: Latishabrussell.com
