Roisin describes spending seven years in a relationship with her boss that left her feeling dehumanised. Again and again, whenever she raised concerns or asked for more, the blame came back to her. She was made to feel unreasonable, stressful and difficult, while he positioned himself as the one being burdened.

Outside of the relationship, the same dynamic followed her into work. She was belittled in front of customers, staff and family, left to be the bad cop while he protected his public image, and told she was too sensitive when she objected. Even in grief, after the sudden death of her best friend, she felt unsupported and diminished. The stress showed up physically too, affecting her hair and skin.

By the time she left, Roisin felt she had given up years of her life for someone who valued her only when she was useful. She lost her home, her dog, her stepdaughter, her community and the future she thought she was building. Now, with therapy and support, she is trying to rebuild her life, her trust in herself and her sense of humanity.