Escaping the Amish: My Story of Abuse, Shunning, and Resilience

👨‍👦Growing up in an Amish family and community shaped my identity and experiences.

⛪️The Amish community has its own rules, practices, and cultural norms that vary between settlements.

⚠️Child sexual abuse is prevalent within some Amish settlements, and survivors face unique challenges due to cultural and language barriers.

💔I experienced abuse, including religious trauma, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and child sexual abuse, within my own family and community.

🌟Escaping the Amish community was a difficult and courageous decision that led to personal growth, resilience, and finding my voice.

Was the abuse and mistreatment you experienced typical for the Amish community?

—While I can't speak for all Amish communities, it is important to recognize that child abuse, including sexual abuse, exists within some Amish settlements. Each settlement has its own rules and practices, and experiences may vary.

Why didn't you leave the Amish community earlier?

—Leaving the Amish community is not as simple as it may seem. There are cultural and religious pressures, limited access to information and resources, and the fear of shunning, which can have severe consequences.

How did joining the army help you in your journey?

—Joining the army provided me with a new perspective, exposure to different cultures and ideas, and the support network I needed to build a new life. It gave me the opportunity for personal growth and independence.

What changes are needed to better support survivors of abuse within Amish communities?

—There is a need for improved access to support services, including counseling, legal aid, and advocacy, specifically tailored to the unique challenges faced by survivors within Amish communities. Additionally, raising awareness and addressing cultural barriers is crucial.

How can we avoid stereotyping the Amish community?

—It is important to understand that the Amish community is diverse, with different beliefs, practices, and settlements. Avoid generalizations and stereotypes, and approach each individual and community with an open mind and a willingness to learn.

00:08Introduction: Discussing the use of crochet as a tool for communication and reflection.

01:00Background: Sharing my upbringing in an Amish family and the tragedies I experienced.

03:02Addressing stereotypes and misconceptions about the Amish community.

07:23The prevalence of child sexual abuse within some Amish settlements.

14:20Facing shunning and the aftermath of reporting the abuse.

18:43Escaping and finding new perspectives, values, and support in the army.

13:36The complexity of cultural and language barriers in Amish communities.

16:59Discussing the challenges of seeking justice and the consequences of speaking out.