Gloria Masters’ story is one of unimaginable family betrayal, survival, and resilience. For over sixty years, she carried the weight of a childhood filled with unspeakable horrors. Much of which stemmed from the calculated cruelty of her own family betrayal – her grandmother. Today, Gloria is a powerful advocate for survivors of child sexual abuse (CSA), shining a light on the evil that can lurk in plain sight and offering hope to those who have suffered in silence.
A Childhood Shattered by Betrayal
Gloria’s nightmare began when she was just five years old. While most children her age were learning to navigate the world in safety, Gloria faced a betrayal that defied comprehension. Her grandmother, a figure who should have embodied love and protection, instead became a central orchestrator of Gloria’s abuse. In her memoir, On Angels’ Wings: My Flight from Trauma to Grace, Gloria reveals how her grandmother not only betrayed her trust but actively facilitated her exploitation.
The abuse Gloria endured was systemic and horrifying, perpetrated by individuals her grandmother brought into her life. Trained in manipulation and coerced into compliance, Gloria’s innocence was stripped away in the most harrowing of circumstances. Yet, despite the darkness that consumed her early years, she survived.
Breaking the Silence On Family Betrayal
For decades, Gloria carried her trauma in silence. It was only later in life that she found the courage to confront her past and share her story. In doing so, she exposed not only the evil actions of her grandmother but also the broader societal issue of child abuse—a silent epidemic that often thrives in secrecy and denial.
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Through her memoir, Gloria seeks to ensure that no survivor feels alone. Her raw and unflinching account is a testament to the strength required to confront trauma and the resilience needed to move forward. She underscores the importance of breaking the silence, both for personal healing and to prevent further abuse.
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Founding “Handing the Shame Back”
Determined to turn her pain of family betrayal into purpose, Gloria founded Handing the Shame Back (HTSB), an organization dedicated to supporting survivors of CSA. HTSB provides resources, advocacy, and a safe space for survivors to share their stories. Gloria’s mission is clear: to ensure that survivors are seen, heard, and believed.
The organization’s name reflects Gloria’s philosophy of returning the burden of shame to its rightful owners—the abusers. By handing the shame back, survivors can reclaim their sense of self-worth and begin the journey to healing. HTSB also works to normalize conversations around CSA, breaking down the societal barriers that allow such abuse to persist.
A Voice for Change
Gloria’s advocacy extends beyond her memoir and organization. She has participated in numerous interviews and podcasts, sharing her story and raising awareness about the prevalence of CSA. Her work highlights the importance of recognizing the warning signs of abuse and fostering an environment where survivors feel safe to come forward.
Through her efforts, Gloria aims to dismantle the culture of silence and secrecy that enables abuse to thrive. She believes that by bringing these issues into the open, society can take meaningful steps toward prevention and justice.
A Legacy of Hope
Despite the unimaginable suffering she endured through family betrayal, Gloria Masters has transformed her pain into a powerful force for good. Her story is not just one of survival but of triumph over adversity. By exposing the evil that hid in plain sight, she has become a beacon of hope for survivors around the world. Gloria’s journey serves as a reminder that healing is possible, even in the face of profound trauma.
Her work through HTSB and her willingness to share her story have created a ripple effect of awareness and support, helping to ensure that no survivor feels alone in their struggle. As Gloria continues her advocacy, her message is clear: the shame belongs to the perpetrators, not the victims. By reclaiming their voices and their power, survivors can break free from the shadows of their past and step into the light of healing and hope.
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