A raw and unflinching memoir of survival, Damage Girl is Elise Skibik’s intimate testimony of growing up fractured by trauma, abuse, and abandonment—and her courageous fight to transform that pain into love and healing. With searing honesty, Elise takes readers inside the shadowed corridors of her past, revealing the scars and secrets that shaped her. Yet this book is not only about brokenness; it is about reclamation. Through spirituality, self-discovery, and an unshakable will, Damage Girl charts the journey of transcending wounds into wisdom, showing that even in the depths of darkness, the soul longs for light.

Damage Girl: Pain, Love & Healing is a raw and unflinching memoir that traces the journey of a young woman breaking free from the chains of trauma, abuse, and self-destruction. Told with lyrical honesty, it reveals the hidden wounds left by neglect, toxic love, and betrayal—and the ways those wounds can silently shape identity, choices, and self-worth.

Elise doesn’t shy away from the darkness: she brings the reader into the grit of survival, the chaos of running away, and the ache of searching for belonging in all the wrong places. Yet Damage Girl is not just a story of pain—it is a testimony of resilience. Through self-reflection, motherhood, and the spark of spirituality, she discovers that the pieces once shattered can be reclaimed and made whole.

This book is for anyone who has ever felt broken, silenced, or unseen. Damage Girl is not only Elise’s story—it is an invitation for others to recognize their own wounds, confront their shadows, and step into a life of healing, self-love, and freedom.

Note from the Author:

Dear Reader

May your inner strength shine through the dark times. May life be a light for you to know someone has been through similar pain. May these words show you that trauma is only a tiny fraction of who you are. Remember to stop occasionally. Patience becomes more manageable when you’re focused on the moment at hand and remember to breathe. It’s good for the soul to welcome good days and bad ones. It is also ok to fall between stuffed animals and your favorite chair. Even if you can’t erase the memories, remember that you’re making new ones now. Sometimes, you’re going to feel trapped. However, always remember that you have the freedom to choose. Chin up, buttercup! You’re a warrior.

Content Warning

These books contain themes and depictions that may be triggering for some readers, including:

• Childhood and family trauma

• Emotional, physical, and sexual abuse

• Addiction, grief, and loss

• Mental health struggles (anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation)

• Themes of survival, resilience, and healing through spirituality

While these works are written to illuminate the journey from pain to purpose, they include raw and vulnerable experiences that may evoke strong emotional responses. Reader discretion is advised.

If you choose to read, please care for yourself and step away when needed. These stories are ultimately about healing, reclaiming power, and finding light after darkness.

Thank you for listening if you would like to make a donation click below!