When I was in primary I woke to Mum screaming and pleading for her life as she was being raped by Dad. Growing up in this culture of domestic violence shaped my distrust of men. Mum installed a lock on the inside of my door, she slept in my room till I was in tertiary. Whenever Dad hosted parties, Mum would ensure one of my older siblings was sober to protect me from sexual violence.
Later in life as a married mother of two, I had gone over to my parent’s house with my firstborn. I heard my mum screaming as my father was half naked and dragging her to their room.
After this, I broke ties with my parents but my husband encouraged me to forgive and build a relationship with them from a safe distance. I prayed about finding the courage to forgive my father and I did. However, I kept at a distance as I do it for my kids.
I hope to encourage you to break away from hate, guilt and shame and forgive the person. Be brave enough to share your story or tell authorities. You are and never will be alone!