Anonymous' Story

It all started out with one simple decision whether to get married or remain single.

My family had come up with a plan. By the age of 26, it was time for me to settle down and my sister saw it as her job to make sure that I was parceled off to the first and only bidder. Who turned out to be a complete dog, who wanted me to be his perfect Indian bride that would listen to him, bare him children and be in the house 24/7 at his beck and call.

I had arranged the paperwork and everything for this dog to come to England and marry me. I even provided all the information that was needed to get his visa through to marry me. The first day that I met him I couldn't stand him, he would abuse me verbally and threaten to abuse me physically.

If I only told the people around me what was going on.

Everything came to a head. I had to take on my entire family and make the only decision that was right for me. I had to claim back my independence and take my life back.

This was when the breakdown started to take effect and I knew something was wrong and I sort help. I went on to anti-depressants and started counseling sessions and 8 years later, I can honestly say it was the best decision I ever made. I got my life back and learnt more about myself, it opened the door for some real growth and for me to really discover who I am on the inside.