Childhood should be a time of discoveries, and the unconditional love of parents and trusted people who look out for the well-being of the children they have been entrusted with. The unfortunate truth is that isn't the path of life for all children. It wasn't for me. I was the 'broken boy' and violence and humiliation were my everyday reality. My hopes of ending the cycle were destroyed again and again. Eventually, thanks to some wonderful friends, I knew I had to trust and believe in the only person who might be strong enough to be able to end the misery: myself.