“I had never spoken about what had happened to me, well I did try once but I just got hit and abused even more and I was told I was mad. I was 5 when it began. There was no way out, I felt scared all the time, I was afraid of everything. I self-harmed a lot, I hated myself, I felt dirty, disgusting.
I believed it was my fault you see. At 35, I just wanted to die, and I did try. For some reason I was looking online and came across RoSA’s website. They talked about dignity and respect, I laughed that couldn’t mean me. Weeks went by before I called them; I missed 5 appointments before I had the courage to meet with them, but they never gave up on me, they just kept saying it was ok and I could meet with them if and when I wanted to. They were so kind to me, they believed me.
Counselling wasn’t easy, they told me it would be hard work, they were right. There were times when I felt really stuck and I thought I would never get through this but RoSA was always there for me. I sometimes felt a nuisance and that I should be better, they just said it takes as long as it takes. They helped me to understand why I felt the way I did, they were so patient. 2 and half years later, I can’t thank them enough they really did save my life. I no longer blame myself, I am happy; I have a job I love, I have friends, I like me and I never thought I would ever feel like this.
Dignity and respect wow, thank you so much RoSA you changed my life”