Nathan Spiteri is an Australian child sex abuse survivor, who has written a uniquely powerful and deeply vulnerable memoir, TOY CARS.
Toy Cars takes you on Nathan’s story of surviving childhood sex abuse and then on his journey to relearn the world as a healthy and functioning activist and advocate, writer and actor. Nathan dives into the trauma of being brutally abused, groomed and manipulated by the actions and lies of a vicious paedophile. The memoir combines the disciplines of psychology and child development with a story of personal survival in the face of ongoing trauma. It is a hopeful, therapeutic, and promising anthem for survivors of any form of trauma, all over the world, whilst also providing a cautionary tale of pain and wisdom for every mother and father and caretaker.
The book is written within the framework of honest, compelling recollections of his own personal struggle with child abuse, including a descent into substance use, addiction, violence and prostitution, ultimately leading to a redemptive journey of recovery and acquired wisdom. He introduces the reader into the house, the heart, and the mind of one who struggles, grieves and ultimately heals to see the beauty and value of living after trauma.
Toy Cars is the first book published to address the lessons of surviving abuse in such an intimate and psychological manner.
He expresses this through personal, as well as existential dialogues, and clinical and professional insights. The reward: Toy Cars helps the reader find ways to invoke meaning and virtue in a life otherwise considered unlivable.
Today, Nathan is working with many charities and organizations in the USA and Australia. He is a global ambassador for the Child Liberation Foundation, a child sex trafficking foundation, who’s aim is the elimination of child sex trafficking around the world. As part of his role with this Foundation, he is organizing a global march to raise awareness on child slavery and sex trafficking. This march will bring leaders, activists and people all across the globe together to raise awareness and save innocent children.
“What happened to me, happened for a reason; if telling my story can change or save a life, stop someone from self-harm, abuse, violence or addiction, then I will have done the right thing.” These are the words Nathan expressed when he first came out about his story. They have been his focus throughout his journey of growth, discovery and healing. As the face of male child sexual abuse, he is actively involved in educating the world about this topic, and changing the stigma held toward it, as it is still such a taboo and uncomfortable, but necessary conversation to have.
“Freedom is of the mind, not of the body. Speaking and living my truth is a powerful thing, and my truth is my power and my ultimate freedom.”