It took me an awfully long time to speak out about my abusive childhood. Whether it was down to the fear instilled into me throughout years of threats and manipulations, or the fear of being on my own, I had been silenced for the best part of my life.

When I first told my story, I felt the need to protect everyone involved, including my abusive family. To save myself any hassle, I decided to change names and places, and it helped for a while. That was, until my twisted aunt shone the spotlight on our whole family. By now, the can of worms was completely opened, and I felt backed into a corner. It was at this point, I felt like I needed to stand up for myself once and for all. I needed to protect myself, after all my so-called family never did.

Pressing charges on my father was an emotional roller coaster, and one of the hardest times in my life, and although I was completely alone, I felt the supported from every single survivor that had crossed my path, whether they were online connections, or survivors I have met in person, I was doing it for every one of them, as much as I was doing it for myself. I found that over the years, many survivors hadn’t the strength to speak out, let alone stand up to their abusers in court. You see, abuse can do that to you, break you down so you doubt yourself and your own ability, but we are a lot stronger than we give ourselves credit for.

So for me, I was gaining justice, not just for myself, but for every single abuse survivor out there too. Abuse happens in all shapes and sizes, and can affect you regardless of age or gender. You are not any of the disheartening words you have been told, nor are you the circumstances they placed you in. And most of all, you are not a victim! You are a survivor, and a mighty one at that!

I may never meet you, but know that I am proud of each and every one of you. We all have a story inside us, and we all experience life differently. This is what makes us so interesting.

Lots of love, Sarah xo.