David Samarzia Author
WRITING MY PAST SO THE FUTURE WILL ENSURE REAL JUSTICE FOR SURVIVORS
Sometimes the legal process to pursue justice is more traumatic than the original sins committed against you.
When David Samarzia informed leaders of Redeemer Church that their minister had molested him in boyhood, he didn’t ask them for a dime, or even an apology for the trouble the abuse caused in his life. He wanted one thing only— that they call off a mission trip for kids who’d be staying with the pedophile pastor. That’s all. He fully expected them to take care of their own problem. But in a bewildering turn of events that would make national headlines, church officials chose to defend a self-admitted child abuser and use the courts against David.
Both heartbreaking and profoundly edifying, Blindsided exposes an often-unjust legal system that can blindside survivors who find the courage to speak out. Yet at its core is a father and son story of love, grit, and perseverance to change something in the social order that needed changing, even when it cost them everything.
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Early reviews!
This author evoked so many feelings I have never experienced before. If you know anyone who struggles with these issues, I would urge them to read this book. It will change their life. Totally powerful, honest, and helpful. If I could give this one more than 5 stars, I would do it. Mike M.
Wow, what courage to first survive this horror show, to being determined to get through this, while helping as many people as he can as he goes... I felt every feeling, which obviously I cannot, but I found myself putting the book down several times - just to take a breath. I read through this book in a few days. Excellent writing, excellent pace and excellent inspiration. Tina A.
This is an immensely powerful and searingly honest account of sexual abuse and its lifelong effect on the writer's life and the lives of his family. The abuse is shocking, but the failure of the church to address the issue, and the aggressive tactics of its lawyers, is horrifying. I was all too aware of evil men preying on children, but had never before encountered the term 'legal abuse'. I hope this book will reach a huge audience so that David's wish to protect other children by the stand he took against the church over so many years is not in vain. Irene M.
I really enjoyed the way David Samarzia wrote this memoir, it had that element that I was hoping for and enjoyed in this type of book. I was engaged with the story being told... Kathryn M
The author is applauded for sharing his story with readers and for his willingness to step up and help stop the abuse from happening to others in his community. It was inspirational, hopeful, and empowering. Cheri S.
“The legal system is supposed to guard those who are already
vulnerable because of abuse. Instead it’s too often weaponized against victims to protect abusers and the entities that shield them. And lawyers
can be a big part of the problem. Understanding this miscarriage of justice
is the first step toward working together for positive change.”
David Samarzia
“I’m grateful for David Samarzia’s humble courage to share his horrific yet cautiously triumphant story of the drama and trauma of the intersection of abuses he’s suffered, from sexual to religious to legal. I hope people read his story as another installment in the desperate cry for reform and accountability in our systems and the people who manage them."
David Hayward, speaker, blogger, author of The Liberation of Sophia
“In Blindsided, David’s journey is a chilling account and courageous example of speaking truth to power. His story serves as a voice for the voiceless, turning silence into a powerful anthem for change, transformation and reclamation.”
Andrea Constand, author of The Moment: Standing Up
To Bill Cosby, Speaking Up For Women
“Blindsided, by David Samarzia, is a heartbreaking true-crime drama... Somehow, Samarzia endures a torturous and seemingly endless journey through the duplicitous labyrinth of crime and punishment. In his noble way, he triumphs, striving over decades to restore compassion and goodness to his world. But in the offing, the breach leaves its irreparable injury. ‘If you are going to tell people the truth, they may try to kill you.’ The shattering lesson for all of us: Beware of smiling villains entrusted with our children. In the words of Shakespeare, ‘Hell is empty...all the devils are here.’”
Ron DeChristoforo, author of This Way Out
"David Samarzia's memoir is a call to action ... We will each have opportunities throughout our lives to create spaces where survivors, particularly boys and men, can disclose abuse and to create communities where survivors can heal and thrive. I'm grateful to David for the support he has provided survivors and for this memoir which will validate the experiences of many more."
Mary Faulkner, Executive Director,
Program for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault (PAVSA)
disclaimer: The contents of this website are based on the opinions of the author and presented with the understanding that he does not intend to render any type of medical, psychological, legal, or any other kind of professional advice.