Note from the Author:

This story was formerly part of the Beautiful Minds Domestic Abuse and Mental Health Anthology.

Please be aware that the story has content that could be a trigger.

It touches on the topics of physical, mental and sexual abuse and self harm.

This book contains situations and content that I experienced growing up.

I am a survivor of child abuse.

"No daddy, please stop." I'd beg him.

He never stopped hurting me.

I upset mummy. Bad girls must be punished.

I tried so hard, but I was never good enough.

Eventually I learned ways to cope.

Age 11 – Don't cry or scream.

Because my fear was his high.

Age 14 – the violence stopped.

He took my innocence instead,

And told me it was okay.

Our little secret. Mum didn't need to know.

She found out, and life got worse.

When I was old enough, I ran away.

I kept my past from everyone.

Until HE came to my rescue.

Older, sophisticated, damaged too.

I fought him at every turn.

Until the unthinkable happened,

And I needed him to save me.