Michelle Madrigal opens up about suffering from sexual abuse during childhood: 'I carried this burden alone'
Trigger warning: This article contains mentions of sexual abuse and child abuse.
Michelle Madrigal shared more about how she was able to overcome child sexual abuse she experienced “for a number of years,” stressing that she now aims to use her voice to help empower other victims toward their healing journey.
The former actress-turned-content creator took to Instagram to bravely share her journey with sexual abuse on Friday, Dec. 29.
“2024 is all about doing things bigger than myself and serving others. It starts today,” she wrote in the caption.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Michelle Madrigal | ATX Luxury Apt Locator (@mitch_madrigal)
In the carousel post, Madrigal detailed her journey—from experiencing it during her childhood to overcoming it, including the trauma.
“This might stir emotions, but I am here to shed light on the issue of child sexual abuse,” she began, revealing that she is also a survivor herself.
“To be completely transparent, I endured sexual abuse at a tender age for a number of years, a time when my innocence was cruelly taken, leading to a tumultuous adolescence,” she recalled.
She then opened up about the time she was in her rebellious phase, including resorting to drugs and alcohol to “escape the overwhelming emotions.”
"I was angry, indifferent, seeking solace in drugs and alcohol to escape the overwhelming emotions, unworthiness, and fear,” she recalled. “I often questioned why it happened to me.”
Michelle mentioned that she wasn’t initially aware that she was experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and how she carried it all alone for nearly a decade until she underwent therapy at age 20.
“Understanding my rebellious phase suddenly made sense,” she said, adding, “Shame and self-blame consumed me for years.”
Being able to survive during the difficult times, Michelle made it her life mission to use her voice and experiences to support survivors on their healing journey. Sharing that in her conversations with other women this year alone, she found out that three out of five experienced some form of sexual abuse.
“My purpose in life is clear: to support survivors. I've always yearned to use my voice for a greater cause, and my mission is to help one survivor at a time feel acknowledged and secure, reassuring them that their story is significant," she added.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Michelle Madrigal | ATX Luxury Apt Locator (@mitch_madrigal)
She also mentioned that she aims to break the cycle of seeing sexual abuse as taboo to talk about by educating her own child, noting how the previous generations lacked the knowledge on addressing such issues.
“Past generations often lacked the knowledge or tools to address such issues, often sweeping them under the rug in different cultures. Many children don't feel safe enough to confide in anyone, let alone their parents, about their experiences," she said.
“I'm determined to change that narrative, to extend a helping hand, and foster an environment where openness and support prevail,” she continued.
In the last slide, Michelle sought donations for the Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN), a US-based organization aiming to help victims through educational programs, awareness efforts, and more.
Apart from being a content creator and model, Michelle also works as a realtor in Texas. She has been sharing life updates including her fitness, travels, and celebrating special occasions with her daughter, Anika.
If you think you, your friend, or your family member is experiencing child and/or sexual abuse, you may seek help from the Philippine Commission on Women, see the complete list of Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Hotlines here.