I would like to say a massive thank you to the S.T.O.R.M family, specifically Marie and Andrew, for not only helping me out of this trauma but also for supporting and listening to me, and for giving me advice and a voice throughout the whole of my horrific journey.
I was emotionally abused by my ex-partner, who at the beginning treated me like a princess. However, it wasn’t too long until the abuse started. I continued to hold my head high and smile every day to hide the damage that was taking place at home.
Unfortunately, I fell pregnant, and that’s when the emotional abuse was at its strongest. When my son was born, I never felt like he was mine. I never had a connection with him. His father controlled my emotions towards him.
Whenever I had my son with me, I would take advantage of our time together and hold him for as long as I could because I knew my partner would come home from work or come back from god knows where just to accuse me of keeping our son with me all day or not letting him be a father to him.
This turned into postnatal depression. Things got worse the moment I fell pregnant for a second time, just four months after my son’s birth. This time with twins.
He pretty much turned into the monster everyone tried to tell me he was. The verbal abuse, the accusations against me. I never even went out. I was limited to seeing my family. So the accusations never made sense. I was woken up by banging cupboards and things slamming. Then, finally, to a burst-open door.
Things got heated between us, and he became physical. This time I fought back but unluckily got a forceful punch to the face which knocked me back. He took my son and left.
Since then, I have been threatened, stalked, social media-slammed, and so much more. I was homebound for nine weeks because my whereabouts were exposed.
I never felt so alone, empty and not in control of my life or anything. I will never forget how hopeless and useless I also felt for two years. I still have flashbacks and have to receive therapy.
However, if it weren’t for Marie taking the acknowledgment and building the trusted friendship we have, I would not be standing here today with the confidence I have gained from this.
I have officially stopped child contact and have a non-molestation order against my ex.
We have moved cities and feel nothing but free.
I am forever indebted to Marie and the Storm family for chasing up my case every single day and reaching out to leaders to hear my cry for help.
Me and my four children are nothing but safe, happy and healthy now, and that is all that matters to me.
I am no longer a victim but a survivor of domestic violence.
