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Gov. Nikki Haley says she was abused as child

GREENVILLE, S.C., July 10 (UPI) -- South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley says she was abused as a child by a couple who cared for her while her mother was at work.

Haley, a rising star in the Republican Party, spoke Monday at a news conference to introduce a report on child abuse titled "Silent Tears," The Greenville News reported.

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The report includes recommendations on improving South Carolina's response to child abuse.

The governor told her own story to emphasize every child is at risk.

"It doesn't matter your background, it doesn't matter your education, it doesn't matter the wealth of your family," Haley said. "Every child is subject to child abuse."

Haley's parents were immigrants from India with three children. She said her mother, a teacher, arranged for a couple who lived in a trailer nearby to care for her in the mornings.

Haley said her mother quickly became concerned about her behavior.

"I never wanted to go. But she didn't know quite what it was and didn't think anything of it," Haley said. "One day I came home and I had a lot of bruises and a lot of issues."

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When her parents confronted the couple, Haley said, they quickly moved out. She said she would still feel sick years later when she walked by the trailer.

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