Mikayla Matthews Says She Was Sexually Abused by 3 Different People from the Time She Was 6 to 15

Mikayla Matthews Shares Heartbreaking Story of Childhood Sexual Abuse

Mikayla Matthews has bravely opened up about the harrowing experiences of sexual abuse she endured during her formative years. Speaking candidly on The Squeeze podcast with host Tay Lautner, Mikayla shed light on her past trauma, which she also previously discussed in an episode of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.

Growing up as the second youngest of seven siblings in Granada Hills, California, Mikayla revealed that she has blocked out many memories of her childhood due to the pervasive trauma she faced. Recalling the turbulent times she faced, Mikayla shared, “I remember a lot of the trauma from growing up and a lot of the bad things that I took from it. But I don’t remember a lot of happy memories.”

The difficult circumstances in Mikayla’s family led to her parents’ divorce, with her mother relocating the family to Utah. As a single mother, Mikayla’s mom had to work long hours to support the family, leaving the children to navigate many challenges on their own. Mikayla expressed, “We did a lot of growing up on our own basically… I feel like she wasn’t around a lot growing up.”

During the podcast, Mikayla bravely confronted the sexual abuse she endured from the age of six until she was 15, at the hands of three different abusers. She highlighted the challenges of processing such trauma in a household where discussing sex was taboo. Mikayla also touched upon the shame associated with sexual exploration in a conservative environment, which only exacerbated her confusion and pain.

Reflecting on her experiences, Mikayla disclosed how her childhood trauma continued to impact her adult life, particularly her marriage to Jace Terry, whom she met at 16. She candidly shared, “It’s been one of the hardest parts of our marriage because you don’t realize it’s happening… you’re not processing it… It’s for somebody else’s pleasure.”

Despite the immense challenges she faced in opening up about her abuse, Mikayla found comfort in sharing her story with her siblings and confronting her mother. She emphasized the importance of breaking the cycle of silence and manipulation that often accompanies instances of abuse, asserting that speaking out is a vital step towards healing.

Mikayla’s journey towards healing and self-discovery has been intertwined with her chronic illness, which she credits for prompting her to address her mental health. Through her courage in sharing her story, Mikayla aims to empower others who have experienced abuse to seek help and support.

For those who may be experiencing or have experienced sexual abuse, resources such as the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline and Crisis Text Line are available to provide assistance and guidance. Mikayla’s bravery in coming forward with her story serves as a beacon of hope for survivors, encouraging them to speak out and seek healing.

As Mikayla continues to navigate her path towards healing and recovery, her resilience and determination serve as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges. Her courage in confronting her past traumas reinforces the importance of breaking the silence surrounding abuse and fostering a community of support and understanding.