Twin Sisters Raped by Their Older Brothers and Father - Show Recap

Tuesday, February 8, 2010

Oprah spoke to twin sisters Kellie and Kathie from Kansas who shared their story of spending 8 years of their childhood being repeatedly raped by their older brothers and father.

Working over the last 25 years to bring light to subjects rarely spoken about in society and even within families, this episode of The Oprah Show revealed that not all children are brought up with loving parents in safe and protected homes; sometimes the terrors of the world are inside your own house. Guests Kathie and Kellie, 19 year-old twins, revealed their story of being repeatedly raped and abused by their two older brothers, and even their own father, from the time they were five until they were 13 and removed from the family home.

This episode revealed the following highlights:

• It took years for the girls to understand that what was happening to them was wrong; that all families didn't behave that way and that it wasn't normal to have sex with family members.
  
  
• When they realized and went to their parents, the abuse worsened when their father wanted to be a part by having them show him what their brothers had done as their mother turned a blind eye.
  
  
• Finding strength to reach out to safe neighbors Shelly and Jim, Kathie, Kellie, and their sister Rachelle were removed from the home and their brothers and dad were sentenced and sent to prison.

Working through confusing and conflicting emotions and shame, the twins still battle with the ability to forgive those who were supposed to protect them from the evil in the world, and instead inflicted it upon them, even if forgiveness will mean they will one day be able to move on with their lives in peace. If you are in an abusive relationship or live in a home where there is inappropriate and illegal sexual behavior, seek out the help of a trusted friend, neighbor, family member, or professional who can assist you in getting the support you need to be removed from the environment.