My names Charlie and this is my story.

I grew up apart from my biological dad – he simply wasn’t part of my life.

It was just me, my mum and my two sisters until I was 7 when I met my step-dad.

I loved him dearly as any child would to a father figure.

He began abusing me at the age of 8 until I was 13.

I would be subject to endless hours of awful sexual abuse almost every night.

I grew into believing this was normal.

My mum separated from him when I was 13 which both ended the abuse but also lead to his suicide.

This affected me massively as I didn’t know how to handle losing the only father figure I had but I also felt my shot at justice was stripped from me.

I grew incredibly mentally unwell throughout my teenage years, struggling with a tormenting whirlwind of grief and trauma.

This was until I finally gathered to share my story at the age of 17.

Since then, I’ve moved to the seaside and focused solely on my recovery and health. I’m proud of myself for surviving.