While reading the semi-autobiographical Bastard Out of Carolina by Dorothy Allison, I was stunned by the explicit nature of the novel. We were introduced to a young narrator and protagonist named Ruth Anne “Bone” Boatwright. Bone's family, like the author's, experienced a life of poverty, while she tried to find her place in a society that had literally labeled her "illegitimate." Merriam-Webster defines illegitimate as: (1) not recognized as legitimate offspring; specifically: born of unmarried parents (2) incorrectly deduced or deduced - illogical (3) departure for the regular - erratic (4) not sanctioned by law - illegal (5) not authorized by good customs. As a young girl, how would it feel to be known as illogical, erratic, illegal, not wise, and in Bone's case, constantly reminded of not knowing the identity of your biological father? According to helpguide.org, a nonprofit online resource for mental health, the article "Child Abuse & Neglect" explains how very difficult it is to constantly be told that you are stupid or worthless, as a child. 'child. You can accept these negative thoughts and believe that they are reality. In this research paper, I seek to uncover the truth about child abuse by focusing on the history, myths and rehabilitation of victims of abuse. From a young age, Bone was sexually abused by her stepfather, Glen Waddell. Like Bone, Dorothy Allison also suffered abuse from her stepfather, starting at the age of five. At the time of the novel, and until recent years, it was unthinkable to talk about any form of abuse outside the home. Throughout history, children have been victims of abuse at the hands of their parents or other adults, and for...... middle of paper ...... Report child abuse. Np, and Web. April 6, 2014. deMause, Lloyd. “The History of Child Abuse.” The history of child abuse. Np, September 25, 1997. Web. April 5, 2014. “illegitimate.” Merriam Webster. Merriam-Webster, nd Web. April 10, 2014. “Mary Ellen Wilson.” Mary Ellen Wilson. Np, and Web. April 9, 2014. “The Mary Ellen Story.” Mary Ellen's story. Np, and Web. April 9, 2014. .Watkins, S.A. (1990). The Myth of Mary Ellen: Correcting the History of Child Welfare. Social work, 35(6), p.. 500-503.