Tisha Campbell-Martin Opens Up on Her Childhood Sexual Abuse

45-year-old Tisha Campbell Martin offered her counsel to a young woman on The Daily Helpline by opening up about her rape at age three. The 'Martin' star tried to convey the importance of taking back your power.

Here's what she said:

You can no longer be a victim, you have to be victorious at this point. You can’t play the victim because at this point — I’m not saying this to put you down or anything — what I’m saying is that he is winning, and you’re allowing him to win. You’re making a conscious decision to harm yourself, to hurt yourself and allow this person to still have dominion over your life. You can’t do that anymore...The reason why I can absolutely say this to you without judgment or anything else and this is the first time I ever said this on camera in front of millions national people is that I too have been a victim of the same thing. When I was three I was raped, by an older person. Now I knew as a child that I did nothing wrong and that this wasn’t my fault, but I had found forgiveness in the guilt that I might’ve had. I felt like, “Did I pull this in? Did I do something at three years old?” No. It’s a heinous crime.

Watch below:


Last month actress Vanessa Williams revealed she suffered molestation at the hands of an older girl when she was 10 years old. Though these stories are painful. These women opening up about their experiences could offer another woman or man currently struggling with their own abuse some solace or hope. For that, I commend them on their bravery.

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Kimberly Foster is the founder and editor of For Harriet. Email or Follow @KimberlyNFoster

rape sexual abuse sexual assault Tisha Campbell-Martin