Megan’s Recovery from Abuse

“I stopped counting once I reached 100.”

These words, spoken by a kind surgeon gently talking Megan through injuries she’d sustained during a vicious assault, have stayed with us. He’d counted the first 100 stitches she’d needed that night. But her physical injuries have healed more easily than her trauma.

We’ve been part of a close circle supporting Megan as she’s fought her way free of violent men who’ve entrapped and abused her, and free of the burden of a lifetime of shame that traces back to her devastating childhood abuse. It’s been a costly fight.

In this almost daily struggle, we’ve been in awe at Megan’s phenomenal courage, determination, intelligence, and compassion for others. We’ve also despaired at the deep wells of violence under the surface of our society. And we’ve discovered how appallingly hard it is for gender violence survivors to access our justice system and adequate financial help to rebuild their lives.

But Megan is rebuilding her life – she’s working toward a medical degree, intending to spend her life helping others caught in cycles of abuse. She’s overcome so much, and we’re full of hope for her future. In her therapeutic journey, she’s bravely written her life story which you can read here (www.unfolding.blog); you can also message Megan to encourage her. The struggle has left Megan with an immediate financial deficit - she is still paying off costs incurred as a result of the abuse, and can't afford living costs while making these repayments.