Fragments: A Post-Traumatic Paradigm

by K.D. Roche

K.D. Roche (preferred pronouns they/them/theirs) is a nationally recognized speaker, author and human trafficking field expert. Having lived through a parent’s addiction and child sex-trafficking, K.D.is now an advocate for victims of sexual exploitation, consulting for organizations such as the Office for Victims of Crime, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and the National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Center.In Fragments: A Post-Traumatic Paradigm, K.D. offers a glimpse into the intricate way that a child’s mind processes traumatic experiences--in a sensory and non-linear fashion. Through a first person account of their experiences, follow them as they navigate through a parent’s addiction, bouncing from one house to the next and being sex trafficked during summers and holiday breaks from school. K.D. learns to separate their mind from their body, disconnecting thoughts, memories and even their identity in an effort to survive continual abuse and neglect.In this compilation of memoir, poetry, and creative non-fiction, readers will recognize vulnerabilities that lead to exploitation and abuse, including generational trauma, neglect and mental illness. Witness how perpetrators recruit and groom their victims and the tactics they use to keep them silent while following K.D. through many stages of child development. Understand the impact that recurring, compounded trauma has on the health and development of a person, affecting how they process information, emotion and memory.This book contains mature content for mature audiences.

127 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 16, 2019

Reviews

[Ada McCloud · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read K. D.‘s book twice now. It is beautifully written. I believe this should be mandatory reading for everyone who works with children who have experienced trauma.

[Odalys Palacios · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I got this book at a conference for work last year. Due to work I never read it and today I picked it up I seriously could not put it down until I finished it all way. It is crazy to read everything the author had to endure and how the trauma shaped her decisions and thoughts. I think this book is a must read for everyone in the social service field.

[Terri Markham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read this book multiple time now and it is heart-achingly beautiful. The way the author gives you pieces of recollection really helps readers to understand how survivors of trauma (and specifically human trafficking) may recall their victimization. We use this book as a tool in our community to open doors for bigger conversations and have been honored to host the author for training.

[Audrey Hood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devastatingly captivating—
K.D. shares their experience in an incredibly intentional way, educating and pressing you to face the brutal reality of trafficking in our communities across America. The beautiful childlike poetry draws you into their narrative and begs for your empathy. My heart broke for this human experience while my soul burned with passion for justice while reading this entire book. This book is a MUST READ for all, especially those who want to understand the complexities of exploitation. Thank you K.D. for writing your story to help us better understand.

[Bonnie Thrasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I attended a human trafficking seminar at my local library. As a middle school teacher, I wanted to recognize red flags. I did not know the speaker had themself been a victim of childhood trafficking. Yet as K.D. started their story, the tears flowed. For as the story unfolded through poetry and dramatic presentation, I saw one of my students... right there in my mind's eye. What they told, I think I have seen... in my white bread town. Seven-year-old K.D. was sent to relatives over school vacations. There as a young girl, she was first molested by an uncle at night and taken to Chuck E Cheese during the day. When her mother found out, she said that is just the way things are. Toughen up. Eventually, she was traded for services such as getting horseshoes put on. She goes to the trailer with a man; the horses then get shod. After years of brutality, right here in our own backyard, they escaped. They have a service dog now, PTS Dietz. They tell us their story. This book is that story. Don't pity K.D. Just stand up and stop it from happening to others like them. That's all they ask.

[Kristen Tebow · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the style of writing, to the intentional and thoughtfulness of the message and content, KD successfully leads their audience on a journey into the soul of Kate, from the beginning to the end. The incorporation of poetry and fragmented text flow were genius touches and reminded me of reading the "Yellow Wallpaper." KD was able to share about their story of exploitation without delivering gruesome details, and successfully demonstrated what it feels like to dissociate. I would suggest readers practicing self-care prior, during, and directly after reading, as this book evokes strong emotions that will most likely bring discomfort. I've read this book three times and I am impatiently waiting for the second book :)

[Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to read K.D. Roche's book. Their poetry is powerful and helps guide the reader through the difficult story the author shares. Their resilience is inspiring! The lessons included throughout the book kept me as a reader hopeful and gave me an opportunity to reflect on what I can do to help fight trafficking. I was pulled into this book, struggling to put it down - K.D. Roche has an incredible voice and is a wonderful writer - I look forward to their next piece.

[Haleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful. K.D. uses a combination of poetry and personal narrative to depict the experiences of survivors. A must read for anyone interested in trauma work or the anti-trafficking movement.