Seven-year-old little girls love their daddy. Kathy was no exception, so when her daddy started paying “special” attention to her, she felt “special” in turn. Her daddy loved her… what could be better than that? Few betrayals run as deep as the betrayal of being sexually abused throughout your childhood by the man you should have been able to trust with your life. For Kathy, the betrayal ran deeper because when she finally found the courage to start speaking out about what her abuser did to her, her family responded by labeling her a liar and a troublemaker. Kathy didn’t stop speaking out though. In fact, she spoke out more, eventually becoming a powerful voice in the nine year campaign to get both the criminal and civil statute of limitations extended for child sex abuse crimes changed in Massachusetts. On June 26, 2014, the day the civil bill was signed into law, Kathy was finally able to file suit against her abuser. Abusers get away with their crimes because the thought of confronting them—even through legitimate legal channels—can be a terrifying prospect for a victim. Yes, Kathy’s story as a victim is filled with years of sexual abuse and threats, but there are many more years filled with personal and professional triumphs as her life progressed beyond the physical and emotional reach of her abuser. Kathy is inspirational proof that good people can win, and that speaking out and fighting for what you truly believe in can help make this world a better place to live. "With grit, integrity, perseverance, and the support of others, victims are able to become survivors. Kathy Picard's life is one such journey. Read it and learn." -Kevin Cullen, member of The Boston Globe investigative team that exposed the cover-up of sexual abuse by priests in the Archdiocese of Boston. "Life with My Idiot Family provides survivors with a renewed sense of hope that we are not alone. It offers us a sense of belonging, understanding, and the realization that we can transition from being victims to survivors." -Mitch, Survivor's Support Group "One of the most rewarding aspects of being Lieutenant Governor was the opportunity to work with passionate child advocates such as Kathy. I have the greatest possible respect for survivors who turn their extraordinarily difficult personal experiences into a mission to safeguard children everywhere. Kathy's strength and determination in sharing her experience, and her tireless work on behalf of sexual assault victims, demonstrates exceptional resolve and resilience. Her advocacy is commendable and her story important." -Kerry Healey, Former Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor "Kathy Picard's childhood journey from being a victim of sexual abuse to a thriving survivor is a true profile in courage and resilience. She gives hope and inspiration to all victims and survivors of child sexual abuse to come out of the darkness and tell their stories. This is a must read for any person who has experienced child sexual abuse, and all people who want to tear down the wall of silence surrounding this hidden epidemic." -David E. Sullivan, Northwestern District Attorney "Kathy Picard is a fighter and an inspiring beacon for children and adults. Her tenacity in advocating and educating for child safety is not only her own mechanism of self-care, but has inspired many people and communities to implement safe practices. She empowers children to be leaders in their own right, and works to provide both children and adults with the know-how of taking care of self and others. The story of Kathy's journey is compelling, her strength and perseverance a true testimony of survivorship. I want to be like her when I grow up! -Tamara R. Thompson, MSW, LCSW Sexual Assault Response Coordinator "Sad. Painful. Those are the words I come up with after reading Kathy Picard's diary. She takes her readers back to share experiences from an awful childhood, sharing details that can only make you shudder with contempt and loathing for a man who should never be called a 'daddy'. I learned so much from reading this first-hand account from a sexual abuse survivor. Though I have never experienced such abuse myself, I have helped others (such as my husband) work through the pain that can last for decades. This book is not light reading but I would recommend it for anyone who wants to understand what it really means to be a survivor. And it's required reading for anyone who wants to counsel or support others who have been sexually abused." -Gail Huff Brown - TV Reporter, Wife of U.S. Ambassador, Scott Brown Readers' Favorite Book Reviews Life with My Idiot Family: A True Story of Survival, Courage, and Justice over Childhood Sexual Abuse by Kathy and Gary Picard is a memoir of Kathy's childhood years and the impact it had on her life. Kathy describes her childhood and upbringing in some detail, including her early life with her grandparents, moving in with her parents and siblings, and her father's sexual abuse starting whe