Betrayal

From the age of 11, I was sexually abused by my father; I felt guilty, I felt I was to blame
I told my mother – she didn’t do anything
There was nowhere to turn, no-one to talk to, no services
My father stopped me furthering my education
He didn’t allow me to accept an exciting job offer.

By 22  I was married with 2 young children, one profoundly intellectually disabled
My husband was violent; my unborn child died because of his violence;
My husband and father had me admitted to a psychiatric ward against my will.

Divorce brought changes – I went to uni & worked to support my children

And then another betrayal– I was the victim of date rape;
I was given very little help or support;
I was told ,“it’s your fault”.

Beyond

School  - the beginning of my ‘beyond’; it was my refuge, it gave me hope,
self worth and strength.
I never gave up, I believed anything was possible.

I sought counselling and support.
I had an interesting and successful career.

I decided to write a book about my experiences in the hope it would help others.

“I cannot alter the direction of the wind
but I can adjust my sails to reach my destination.”
           Jimmy Dean, singer, wrtier