A Survivor’s Voice: Deondra Brown on the Power of Trusted Adults

Deondra Brown is many things, a gifted concert pianist, a member of the celebrated sibling ensemble The Five Browns, and a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. She is also one of the most powerful voices in the conversation about what it truly takes to protect children.

“Growing up, I didn’t have trusted adults. I didn’t have friends I could confide in. I didn’t have a community who I knew would have my back.” Deondra’s words are a reminder of something too many survivors know firsthand, that the absence of a safe, supportive adult can leave a child to carry the weight of abuse entirely alone.

What Deondra Wants Every Adult to Know

Deondra’s message to the adults in our communities is direct and urgent. You never know when a child near you may be in need of support. That child in your neighborhood, your classroom, your congregation, or your family may be looking for someone they can trust. You could be that person.

“Be that trusting adult,” she says. “It is everyone’s job to protect the children in their circles and within their communities.”

This isn’t a responsibility reserved for parents, teachers, or counselors alone. It belongs to all of us. Every neighbor, coach, family friend, and community member has a role to play in creating environments where children feel safe, seen, and supported.

Why Community Matters

Abuse thrives in silence and isolation. When children lack access to trusted adults, they are left to navigate fear and harm on their own, something no child should ever have to do. Building communities where protection is a shared value is one of the most effective tools we have in preventing child abuse and supporting those who have experienced it.

Deondra has channeled her own experience into advocacy, and she is proud to partner with Prevent Child Abuse Utah in that work. “They see those necessities that should be in the community’s discussions talking about protecting children, talking about watching out for the children in your circles.”

She is clear that the burden of abuse should never fall on a child. “It’s never a child’s responsibility to shield that weight of abuse happening to them on their own shoulders.”

A Call to Action

Deondra’s story is one of resilience, but it is also a call to do better for every child who is growing up right now without the safety net she lacked.

“We need trusted adults, community members, neighbors, partners, all willing to stand up and say, ‘This is something that should never happen in our communities, and we’re going to do everything we can to protect the children.'”

If you want to be part of that effort, here’s where to start:

• Learn the signs of child abuse and how to respond. Visit our resources page.
• Talk openly with the children in your life. Let them know you are a safe adult they can come to with anything.
• If you suspect a child is being abused, report it. Utah’s Child Abuse Reporting Hotline: 1-855-323-3237

 Donate to Prevent Child Abuse Utah to help us continue this work across the state.

Every child deserves a community that shows up for them. Thank you, Deondra, for reminding us of that and for having the courage to share your story.