Karen Jacobsen

‘I was so busy keeping him happy I didn’t notice how long it had been since I’d seen my friends. I seemed to apologise for everything. I was constantly tense, holding my breath, trying to predict his mood. Slowly my world became smaller, darker and...

‘It began with fluttering excitement, joy and a world full of possibilities. There was a slow chiselling away of me. I felt disbelief and foggy confusion, before the ugly reality of abuse dawned on me.’In Shattered to Shining, nine women and one male...

‘People congratulated me when I left my abusive marriage, but I didn’t feel like celebrating. I felt loss, grief, shame, anger, resentment, regret, uncertainty, relief and excitement. How can one person feel so many emotions at once? Where could I go...

‘I have been learning to heal and reclaim my identity. I will not wear the title of his victim any longer. I am a Survivor.’‘I learnt I had the strength and courage to walk away, because I’m worth it.’In Violence to Victory each story starts with a...