CJ Scarlet knows firsthand the trauma inflicted by violence. As a survivor of childhood sexual Abuse and rape in college, she spent decades dealing with PTSD and the emotional aftermath. But rather than remain a victim, CJ transformed her pain into power—becoming an advocate for other abuse survivors and making it her mission to protect children from harm. 

Now, as President of Badass Grandma Ventures, this “happiest person on the planet” is equipping kids with the tools to avoid predators and escape dangerous situations. Through her books, online courses, and media appearances, CJ teaches parents how to empower children to be their own heroes. 

The Road to Healing 

For the first 30 years of CJ’s life, the lingering effects of the sexual abuse she suffered as a child left her trapped in victim mode. She buried these devastating memories until they came flooding back, triggering immense emotional turmoil. Many survivors of child abuse understand all too well how those memories can lie dormant, only to be unexpectedly triggered later in life. 

Rather than continue suffering in silence, CJ made the brave decision to start dealing with what had happened to her. She reached out to her local rape crisis center for counseling services that proved tremendously helpful for her recovery. The center staff was so impressed with CJ’s strength and determination to heal that they invited her to serve on the board of directors. 

This gesture set CJ on a path to becoming a powerful advocate for other women and children impacted by violence and abuse. Over the next decade, she obtained a master’s degree focused on human violence and took on leadership roles, directing a child advocacy center and overseeing victim’s issues for the North Carolina Attorney General’s office. 

Through her healing journey and advocacy work, CJ gained firsthand understanding of how trauma shapes people’s lives long after the abuse. She explains, “I know all too well how sexual trauma impacts children and adults. I’ve lived with PTSD most of my life, and I can’t bear the thought of any child having to carry that burden.” 

Many well-intentioned people believe the problem of child abuse and trafficking is too big and complex to solve. But CJ refuses to accept that narrative, declaring, “It is not! There’s a lot that can be done to protect our kids, and I refuse to accept the status quo.” 

While CJ initially devoted herself to helping survivors, over time, she became dissatisfied with only being able to help after abuse had already occurred. She dreamed bigger, making it her life’s purpose to protect people from being victimized in the first place.  

“I used to believe someone should do something about violence and abuse. Well, I’m someone and I’m doing something! Now, I empower victims to become survivors and survivors to become advocates. My experiences make me uniquely qualified for this work.” 

Becoming the Badass Grandma 

CJ had already established herself as a successful entrepreneur in 1999 by launching her first company. She led three other companies before starting Badass Grandma Ventures in 2019 to promote her books on empowering kids. Reflecting on her journey, CJ shares, “I thought I was just going to write and promote books part-time so I could live a semi-retired life. But it’s just not in me to retire; I love my work too much.” 

Throughout her multifaceted career, CJ Scarlet has become an expert on critical topics such as personal safety, self-defense, bullying, online threats, sexual abuse, and trafficking. She distills three decades of research and advocacy work into books and courses aimed at empowering both children and parents. As an award-winning author, CJ is on the frontlines, equipping families with the tools they need to confront violence and exploitation. Her bestselling books address daunting yet essential topics, from body safety to surviving assault. 

In “Raising Badass Kids: The Savvy Parents’ Guide to Predator-Proofing Tweens & Teens,” CJ coaches parents on navigating crucial conversations about sexual development and consent, alongside self-defense tactics if violations occur. This must-read manual for parents also teaches how to empower children to avoid dangerous situations, recognize different types of predators, and identify grooming techniques, enabling families to spot red flags. 

CJ’s books for parents of kids 0 to 9, “Badass Parenting” and “Heroic Parenting,” help parents struggling with discussing daunting safety topics with their children. It reassures them that teaching about dangers can be empowering and won’t rob children of their innocence. 

“Heroic Parenting: An Essential Guide to Raising Safe, Savvy, Confident Kids” is tailor-made for parents concerned about their children’s safety. It focuses on imparting knowledge and skills to confront threats while fostering normal emotional growth. 

Meanwhile, “The Badass Girl’s Guide: Uncommon Strategies to Outwit Predators,” hailed as a must-read book on safety, provides women and girls with an unconventional education. It offers sassy tips on self-defense tactics, avoiding dangerous situations, and handling worst-case scenarios. 

Her book, “Neptune’s Gift: Discovering Your Inner Ocean,” is an inspirational allegory that uses a wave named Dylan to impart spiritual lessons about managing fear, resilience through life’s storms, and the interconnection between all beings. It’s perfect for people of all ages, including parents teaching their children about finding genuine happiness. 

CJ’s upcoming online courses uniquely cover a wider range of potential threats that children may face, which many competitors overlook, including bullying, sexual assault, online threats, and trafficking. She also provides easy-to-learn ‘Taz’ self-defense techniques that can be mastered in minutes, as opposed to traditional martial arts. As CJ explains, “My courses empower both parents and kids to confront dangers.” She adds, “There’s nothing like my courses on the market!” 

Beyond books and courses, the company is branching into lifestyle branding with CJ’s trademarked term “Badassté: The badass in me honors the badass in you.” She sees licensing opportunities to pair this mantra with apparel and merchandise that inspires confidence in women. Her message of empowerment in the face of adversity rings loudly across all her work. 

A Message of Hope 

Facing adversity can seem daunting, but cultivating gratitude, generosity, and kindness can help transform your mindset. When you express gratitude for all aspects of your life, even the challenges, you realize how much you have to be thankful for. Practicing small acts of kindness without expectation of reward fills your heart with joy. As CJ shared, even leaving an appreciative voicemail for a stranger lifted her from a pity party.  

For those still trapped in trauma’s clutches, CJ’s journey delivers an empowering message: there is light beyond the pain. “Healing is hard work, but possible if you remain committed to protecting yourself and processing the wounds,” she encourages. “Then life becomes easier, and you’ll find the happiness, worthiness and purpose you seek.” 

Rather than letting adversity break her, CJ turned her most devastating life challenges into catalysts for growth and positive impact at scale. Her transformation stands as an example of the potential latent within our most crushing setbacks. 

If you feel trapped in a dangerous situation, know that you deserve safety and support. Seek help from domestic violence or crisis resources, which provide free, confidential services. While happiness may feel out of reach today, committing to your healing journey will lead you there. Protect yourself, nourish your spirit with kindness, and have faith that brighter days lie ahead. Your resilience is your ally in overcoming adversity. 

“Trauma tried to silence me; now I silence trauma,” CJ affirms. “My scars became my superpower. Because for every survivor who finds their voice, the next generation gains protectors willing to face darkness head-on, shining light where it’s needed most.” 

After her own traumatic history, CJ now pays forward support to others as an inspirational example of strength. Through her books, courses and advocacy work, she aims to impart the knowledge and skills for people to find safety. 

CJ Scarlet vows to shine on.

The post CJ Scarlet: Empowering Women and Kids to Transform Trauma into Triumph appeared first on WomLEAD Magazine.