Anon 011

Over years of breakups and reconciliations, her partner repeatedly told her she was not enough. He raped her while she slept and threatened suicide if she left. Once they lived together, the control and abuse intensified.

She also lived with severe endometriosis, repeated operations and seizures. While she was working to support them, he complained about the effect her illness had on him. Her pain was dismissed as dramatic; her seizures became “attention seeking”. When he hit her, he said she had caused it.

He left after accusing her of cheating and telling their friends not to believe her if she disclosed the rape. Isolated from family and facing hostility, she attempted suicide and spent two months in hospital. Recovery took a long time.

She is now married to someone who supports her through illness and treatment, listens and takes responsibility for his own wellbeing. She is happy, but sometimes still wonders whether the labels her ex used were true.

She runs a business, sings, creates and has returned to study psychology. She wants others to know that behind her smile is someone who needed help and safety, and who is learning to remember that she is enough.