Shari Franke Speaks Out: The Truth Behind Ruby Franke's Abuse

In the wake of her mother, Ruby Franke's, arrest for aggravated child abuse, Shari Franke, the eldest daughter, has decided to share her traumatic experience in her revealing memoir, "The House of My Mother: A Daughter's Quest for Freedom." This heartfelt account details the alleged abuse inflicted upon her and her siblings, shedding light on a horrifying reality often masked by their family’s previous social media fame.

A Dark Childhood

For many years, Shari Franke appeared alongside her family in popular YouTube vlogs, portraying a seemingly perfect family life. However, behind the camera, the truth was starkly different. In her recent interviews and memoir, Shari opens up about her mother's abusive behavior, recalling incidents from her childhood that ranged from psychological torment to physical violence. “When I was younger, Ruby was really physical,” she told ABC News, recounting how her mother’s discipline was both extreme and terrifying.

Shari describes encounters where Ruby would slap her in moments of frustration, often triggering feelings of fear and confusion. She states, “Whether it was like a slap to the lip or a slap to the cheek, it was really scary.” The realization that the person who was supposed to care for her was cause for fear left lasting scars, motivating her to finally break her silence.

The Breaking Point

Shari Franke’s decision to reach out to Child Protective Services marked a significant turning point in her life. It stemmed from growing concerns about the safety of her younger siblings, and she recalls her emotions on the day of her mother’s arrest, fearing for their well-being. “My initial thought was that my siblings are dead,” Shari revealed. This overwhelming fear pushed her to take a stand, confirming her belief that the situation at home was untenable.

Unfortunately, her actions led to a confrontation with Ruby that was nothing short of traumatic. In a conversation Shari recounts, Ruby accused her of betrayal, saying, “I can’t believe you called the police on me.” Despite the emotional abuse and manipulation from her mother, Shari highlighted her resolve: “This isn’t about me. It’s about the safety of my siblings.”

The Aftermath of Ruby Franke’s Arrest

Following Ruby Franke's arrest in August 2023—an event catalyzed by her 12-year-old son's escape to seek help—both she and her mentor, Jodi Hildebrandt, pleaded guilty to four counts of child abuse. They received sentences of one to 15 years in prison. During these proceedings, Shari grappled with the impact of this trauma and noted her belief that Ruby may never fully comprehend the enormity of her actions.

Despite Ruby’s public proclamations of remorse, Shari is hesitant about her mother’s sincerity. “I think that she’s as sorry as she can be,” she said. Yet, she feels Ruby’s understanding of her guilt is clouded by her distorted worldview. “What she has done is so bad that I don’t think her mind allows her to fully comprehend the guilt of all that.”

Forgiveness and Healing

Amidst her family’s turmoil, Shari is committed to healing and reconciliation—both with herself and her siblings. She is focused on rebuilding their fractured relationships while also trying to advocate for change, particularly concerning the trend of family vlogging. In her recent testimony to the Utah Legislature, she addressed the potential dangers of exposing children to online fame and called for stricter regulations on family content creators.

“When children become stars in their family's online content, they become child influencers,” Shari emphasized, urging lawmakers to recognize the industry’s ethical dilemmas. Her story is more than one of survival; it’s also a movement for accountability.

Conclusion

Shari Franke’s journey reflects the complexity of familial bonds intertwined with trauma. Her memoir, "The House of My Mother: A Daughter's Quest for Freedom," not only voices her experiences but also serves as a crucial reminder of the hidden struggles many endure behind closed doors. Through her advocacy, Shari hopes to inspire others in similar situations to speak out and prioritize their well-being. This narrative of resilience emphasizes the importance of protection and justice for all children in vulnerable situations.

The House of My Mother: A Daughter's Quest for Freedom is available now, allowing readers insight into Shari’s journey and the harrowing realities faced within her family.