Speak Up- A Survivor’s Triumph After Trauma
My name is Shania‑Leigh, and I am a survivor. This is my story.
When I was a child, I lived with my nan and grandad. From around the age of 12, I went to my auntie’s house every week while she went to bingo with my nan. During those hours, I was left alone with her now ex‑husband. And he decided to take it upon himself to sexually abuse me every week without fail.
I said no. I tried to fight him off. But I was just a child, and he was bigger and stronger than me. He threatened me into silence, and I believed him. I was petrified.
The abuse went on for years. I was scared, ashamed, and believed somehow it was my fault — even though it wasn’t. I felt disgusting like I deserved it when I knew deep down I didn’t. But that’s how I felt. I was scared what he’d do to me if I did speak about. Things changed when I fell pregnant at the age of 15.
As soon as he knew about it, the abuse stopped. He was an abusive narcissist and told me to get rid of the baby. Which I would never do. So I had my child.
But the trauma and turmoil still lived within me. When it all felt way too much for me, I finally spoke to my health visitor. She contacted the police, and throughout the whole process, there was a lot of help and support out there. It was a relief, that I had been able to finally speak out.
The police put me in touch with an Independent Sexual Violence Advocate from RSVP. My ISVA stood by me through court and counselling. My advocate talked me through how the court case would run, as I didn’t know and I was terrified. Then after the court case, I was able to have counselling for it also, which was a massive help. For the first time, I felt seen, not silenced.
Today, I’m nearly 13 years free from abuse. I’m stronger, my mental health has improved, and I’ve gone on to have a loving family. I couldn’t be happier.
I’m sharing my story for anyone who went through sexual or domestic abuse, who are locking themselves away with it which is weighing them down. Abuse isn’t always by a stranger — sometimes it’s someone close. Someone who you consider to be “family”. I’m doing this to show people that if you do speak up, you will get justice for it all in the end as there is loads of help out there for you.
If you’re carrying this alone, please speak up.
You are a survivor — not a victim. Help is out there.
[Survivor name and story shared with consent.]
RSVP’s Message
RSVP is incredibly proud of Shania-Leigh. Her strength, courage and determination shines through to light the way for other survivors. We wish her all the best and echo her message: Speak up. We’re here to help.