My name is Melanie and I live in Southern California. I was put into Genesis by the Sea when I was 16 and I have been there the total of 4 times. There is no reason for any child to be put into a facility where they won't be treated like a normal human being. The majority of the girls that are put into such facilities are simply teenagers trying to find their way in life. There are some that do have problems with violence or drugs, but the right thing to do would be to place them in a place where they will be loved and cared for despite their problems.

During my stay at Genesis by the sea I was abused verbally, emotionally, and physically. My ankles were zip tied together so I could only move my feet about two inches with each step, I was tied to my bed at night, I had to sleep without blankets (even if it was freezing), and I was hand cuffed to a chair during the day. Every morning we'd wake up and from the beginning of the day to late at night certain beliefs would be forced on us, and in my opinion that is raping the mind. To force ones beliefs on a person is wrong, and it should be stopped. I was told that I was a whore, and that I dressed like a slut because I wore pants. Genesis by the sea is not a place that causes healing, it is a place that is full of hate.

I am now married to the only guy I have ever truly fallen in love with, and have an amazing marriage. Genesis by the Sea is my past, but I will do everything in my power to protect girls from being put somewhere where they will be abused and neglected.

Any information whether it be anonymous or with a name on it would be greatly appreciated. Your information will not be posted if you don't want it posted my only goal is to help keep girls out of abusive environments.

If you have any questions regarding Genesis by the sea please contact me.