Surviving and tackling abuse

It was 2011 when I met the man who planned to take my life. I was working full time as a recruitment consultant, a job I still love. Apart from a Mother and a Recruitment Consultant, who was I? I was Sharon, a lover of life, a strong woman, never without a smile and always doing my best to help others. I also want you to know that I was considered smart and successful. There is a misconception that smart women or women in high powered jobs do not become victims of abuse.

But my life was dark, my light went out and it seemed that overnight my world changed. He verbally abused me in my place of work, called me constantly and showed up at work events. I was left alone, frightened and lifeless. My kids were my saviour and my love for them gave me the courage to seek help. On 4 November 2015, the physical abuse came to an end, but the emotional trauma left behind is unfathomable. So, what did I do? I became an activist. My survival of abuse gave me the courage to set up my own recruitment business, Kameo Recruitment. I use the business as a platform to raise awareness of domestic abuse; we actively encourage businesses in Cambridge, UK to clue up on domestic abuse, the many forms it takes, the myths and how to identify a victim in the workplace. We are members of the Employers Initiative on Domestic Abuse; I am now recognised as a Domestic Abuse Champion and Ambassador and I am strengthened by the knowledge that I am changing the lives of others. I am working to create a positive impact and end the perception and associated stigma that comes from the belief that ‘what happens in a marital home isn’t our business.’ Domestic abuse is everyone’s business.