Sexual abuse and sexual violence awareness week


February 7th - February 13th is sexual abuse and sexual violence awareness week. Many voices and 
people go unheard in regards to sexual abuse off, which is why this week is so important to spread
 knowledge and awareness of the subject. As someone who has been sexually abused, it it such a difficult 
subject to take about, in fear of being judged, misunderstood or discriminated against. I don't often talk 
about my experience with sexual abuse, as I was so young when it happened and don't remember much.

As I was only 3 when I was sexually abused, I don't remember much. In fact I only remember going to the 
hospital to get checked out and make sure I was ok. For years that memory has stuck with me, however 
for over 10 years I had no idea if it was real or if I made it up, and if it was real then why it happened. It 
was until a family member got in touch to say the same thing happened to them, that I started to question 
everything. After a very difficult conversation with my mom, I learnt what had happened. Despite my 
mom talking me through the event, I still remembered nothing, and nearly 20 years later I still don't.

I'm grateful that I don't remember it as I can only imagine how difficult that is, however it's difficult being 
told what happened and having to believe everyone, whilst having no recollection at all. Personally I 
struggle everyday with the fact that a man, 13 years my senior, took advantage of me as a child. How he 
thought that was ok to do, got pleasure of doing so and doesn't believe he did anything wrong. That he 
went on and did it to another family member, and possibly so many more people. 

Read my initial post on my sexual abuse story here and how it still affects me here.

Although I believe that awareness should be spread at a constant, rather than just a week, I do think 
awareness weeks are important to get people talking and let others know that they are not alone. If 
you are a victim of sexual abuse, rape or sexual violence please talk to someone and seek the help that 
you need. For further resources please check out the NHS website

xoxo
Lea-Mai

10 comments

  1. Oh my goodness, I am so sorry that you had to go through this when you were 3 years old, that is absolutely heart breaking. You are incredibly brave to share your story and I'm sure that you have inspired others to speak out too x

    Lucy Mary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you lovely! Just hoping to help others x

      Delete
  2. I'm so sorry you went through that but thank you for sharing your story! Much love to you.

    Corinne x
    https://skinnedcartree.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As long as it helps just one person, that's all that matters x

      Delete
  3. Gosh I'm so sorry you went through that! Well done for sharing your story, it's definitely so important to raise awareness so that people are more aware that these things happen and know to look out for them.
    Amy x
    callmeamy.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you. Hoping to raise awareness, even if it is only little x

      Delete
  4. I'm so sorry you went through this. It's absolutely heartbreaking to read. Thank you for sharing your story. Much love to you. X

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Just hoping to help others and raise awareness x

      Delete
  5. Oh my gosh your story is absolutely heartbreaking. Thank you for sharing your story!

    ReplyDelete