Personal

I am a Sister, living in isolation in Europe with four young children.

I am also a survivor of Domestic Abuse, more specifically emotional abuse and marital rape, and the creator and webmaster of Hidden Hurt, a UK-based domestic abuse information and support site.

Why this Site?

Since I first thought of creating a site on Domestic Abuse in October 2000, my Brothers and Sisters have been very much in the forefront of my mind. I know the pain and suffering I went through due to the abuse and am convinced there are other Christadelphians suffering the same in silence and isolation. My concern is for them, to reach out and let them know they are not alone, and to help other Christadelphian who have not experienced some of the problems faced by those suffering and struggling to understand and respond with more love, compassion and help than I received.

The treatment I received at the hands of my Brothers and Sisters was, if anything, harder to bear than the abuse I had received at the hand of my husband. I approached them seeking support, comfort, guidance and help and received only condemnation, isolation, accusations and threats. To be hurt and betrayed by one person, a brother and husband, is confusing and painful enough. To be betrayed and further abused by an entire Community, by my own spiritual family, is almost too much to bear.

And I wonder, how many other Sisters and Brothers are struggling alone, isolated from their spiritual family and left without the fold?

I tell you this not to gain your pity, but to use my own experiences as an example of the lack of understanding and the lack of support within our Community, to enable us to learn from one another and act as true shepherds, not as hirelings.

For real examples of other Brothers and Sisters who either are or are potentially Lost Sheep and either have not or do not gain the support needed within our Community, please click here.