I am a survivor of sexual assault when I was 13, rape when I was 17 topped off with a heady dose of Domestic violence at the age of 19. Physical mental and sexual abuse that lasted 5 years. I have to remain anonymous lest I endanger myself further. I hide in the shadows…this is not a life it is a prison sentence.

I have received no Justice for what happened. The men that perpetrated these crimes are walking around free, and likely doing the same thing to other girls just like me. It makes me shudder to think of that. I now have Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, permanently scarred with a severe anxiety disorder.

When I managed to finish with my boyfriend, he stalked me, terrorised my friends. I was a Nanny, he came to my work and terrorised the children. In an extremely anxious state, I went to the police about it (they were called on numerous occasions and did nothing) they advised me the leave the city. I was a wreck and in no state to move home. I didn’t know he had made me sick.

I would like a register of violent men and women to be created. If incidents like mine, were registered by the police, people could see if the man or woman they are involved with has a history of violence. I want education for both young women and men in schools all over the world, teaching about gender-based discrimination , social norms and gender stereotypes that perpetuate such violence.

Justice for me is a good nights sleep , safe in the knowledge that violence against women is on the decline.

I am a survivor not a victim and I work every day toward this goal.