I have been talking about abuse and domestic violence for going on 2 years now and one thing that I haven’t talked about is the aftermath of sharing the story.
Before 2021, I had never spoke about the abuse that I had faced throughout my life from my Father. It wasn’t something that I was comfortable talking about. Not because I was ashamed but because no one knew what I had been through. Even people that I went to school with and was best friends with, had no idea what was going on behind closed doors.
I guess I was worried about the shock. You would have never known what I had to endure from a child until I was 24 years old. I went through abuse from my father even through my pregnancies. I didn’t live at home and it was still happening.
Sharing my storing was scary to say the least. I was concerned what my Father’s family would say. Turns out they have said nothing about it. Not that I know of anyway. I was worried that my abuser would rear his ugly head again.
Over the years though, I have toughened up to it and there have been trolls. I have shared moments that I never though I would share with the world.
14 year old me would have never of thought that I would have the courage to share my abuse story. 14 year old me would be proud yet scared that I am doing this. It is a fact that I wouldn’t be sharing any of this if it wasnt for the help of the Pandora Project.
They are a domestic violence charity based in Norfolk. They helped me so much and they helped me find my voice when it comes to talking about abuse and talking about overcoming it. Everytime, I press publish on a post, I do wonder who will see it and if anyone will say anything. I have learnt to overcome the aftermath of talking about abuse. Not many people do. Talking out about domestic violence is still pretty taboo and I totally see why.
I will keep talking, posting and typing about domestic violence and what I have overcome. It is a way of showing people that they can overcome it and one day, we can all talk about it openly.
The Coastal Mummy 