Woman Rises Above Abuse to Inspire Others.
Johnetta McSwain
Born to an alcoholic mother and an absent father, Johnetta McSwain found odds unceremoniously stacked against her even as she drew her first breath. By age five, she was raped and repeatedly tied-up, beaten, choked, threatened and tormented by her three uncles while in the custody of her grandparents. Her sister and male cousin experienced the same appalling treatment. At the tender age of eight, when most little girls can enjoy carefree security within the sanctuary of their homes, Johnnetta had contracted syphilis in hers.
Constant abuse made clear to Johnnetta that she was neither wanted nor loved. As she entered her teen years, her mother was bringing home men who also victimized her. In the absence of any love or guidance, Johnnetta began shoplifting and eventually dropped out of high school. By nineteen, she had given birth to her first son, applied for housing assistance, food stamps and welfare, and started dealing drugs and selling her body. When she was twenty-six, she bore her second son. Seven months later, she was caught stealing in the mall and left her 7-month-old baby in the parking lot while running from the police.
Her life continued its desperate downward spiral past her 30th birthday, until Johnetta finally took a long introverted look at the woman she had become. In that moment, she knew it was time to change her life. She moved to Georgia with a GED and a dream of becoming the first Ph.D. in her family. She earned a bachelor’s degree in just three years, a Master of Social Work in two more, and is currently pursuing that Ph.D.
Created a 12-Step Self-Awareness Model
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While completing her studies in graduate school, she created a copyrighted 12-step Self-Awareness Model (SAM) with the help of her mentor, Dr. Susan N. Kossak, and presented it for the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). In 2008, she began taping a documentary with executive producer Pamela Roberts for Georgia Public Broadcasting, “The Road Beyond Abuse.” Narrated by Jane Fonda, this Emmy® Award-winning documentary recounts the details of the abysmal beginning and ensuing victories that continue to shape Johnnetta’s life. Johnnetta has since founded the organization, Breaking the Cycle: Beating the Odds, and she developed and facilitates a mentoring program. She intends her book, Rising Above the Scars, to inspire women of all ages. Johnetta is determined to help those who have been victims of child abuse to begin the healing process. With her own heroic example, she can help them transition from victim to victor. |
