I was sexually abused around the age of 6/7 by my big brother, he was a teenager at the time.

I attempted to report what happened to me to the police, but like many adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse I had to make peace with the fact that the law is rarely on our side.

The effects of the traumatic abuse I experienced as a child stuck with me through my teens. In my 20’s I made damaging decisions trying to feel safe in my body and take back control of my sexuality, I had no sexual boundaries and trusted any man that made me feel safe.

I have been re-traumatised many times; I survived gang rape, I had a stalker, and was sexually assaulted by someone I considered a dear friend.

The adult life of a childhood sexual assault survivor can be terrifying.

It’s up to us to heal from something that was not our fault. Someone considered their sexual gratifications more important than our safety and body autonomy. It’s up to us to set things right, that’s completely unfair.

I’ve lost count of the amount of times I wanted to end it all but knowing that I didn’t want my story to die with me has kept me alive.

I want to see children protected and I want to see rape culture end.