Survivor: A Deeply Inspiring Story of Unforgettable Trauma and Triumphs

By Carmen Cameron

This is a deeply inspiring autobiography that uncovers the shockingly
Traumatic experiences faced throughout the life of the author. It is a no
holds-barred narration of abuse, workplace bullying, sexual harassment,
infidelity, depression, domestic violence, and divorce.

There is a clear message that such life challenges do not have to define
who you are as a person. As a result, there are unbelievably happy times
from the beautiful relationships, support networks and friendships formed.
To move to a place of triumph, there are several proven successful techniques.
that can be used to survive traumatic experiences. Learn how the author
achieved the somewhat impossible, which she owes largely to her faith in
God and Christianity.

• Language: English
• Publisher: FRAMICHI PUBLICATIONS
• Release date: Jun 27, 2023
• ISBN: 9781739435035

Book preview

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Copyright © 2023 Carmen Cameron

This autobiographical novel is based on actual events. All names, characters, places, and incidents have been altered for artistic and thematic purposes.

ISBN: 978-1-7394350-3-5

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form. No part of this text or illustration may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in any form or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, without the express written permission of the author.

Framichi Publications.

www.framichipublications.com

Dedication

This book is dedicated to all the survivors of any traumatic experience. I hope you find inner peace as you read and find solutions that will set you free.

Foreword

Written by Pastor Dr Sola Dawkins

- CEO, WOMEN WITH A PURPOSE

Ever wondered if your story—your journey, your experience—was just yours?

Ever wondered if you’d ever be able to escape the horror, the pain, the shame, the hurt?

But when the question comes… Will I live? Will I survive? Will I make it out ALIVE?

When doors to be set free are constantly opened, yet you find yourself back inside behind the doors of darkness, abuse, and shame, asking yourself over and over, ‘How did I find myself back here again?’

Did I not promise myself that if I ever got free from this, I would never look back? But how clear were these words when, time and time again, you find yourself back in the place you cried to leave and be free from?

This heartfelt, true account brings to life the journey of so many. The pages of this autobiography are for the voice of every unsung hero who fought to be free, or those who’re still fighting, praying that one day they too can be free from the pain of the choices that has become their lives.

This is a wonderful account of a woman who made it out and will now, through her honest and transparent account, help you to be free! Thank you, Carmen, for changing the lives of so many through this book.

This book serves as a reminder that change can and does happen. That there is a way, and that hope is the very door that opens to create a path to freedom. This book is a book of hope, faith, and freedom.

A journey that starts on the pages of pain with the promise that a day will come when you look back and realise you made it. Carmen made it, so you can too.

Acknowledgement

Thank you to my mother and late father (Mr and Mrs Cameron), who have been instrumental in my life. My two brothers, Ronnie and Frankie, and my sister-in-law, Flo. My cousin Leon and his wife Yvonne. My woman’s group (W4W), Heather, and Anne-Marie. My Women of Power network group. My best friend, Claudia, and my close friends, Lorraine, Jackie, Sandra, and Floyd. To my spiritual mentor, Pastor Sola. You have all been a part of my journey for decades, through thick and thin, and for that I am grateful. Thanks for all your encouraging words and support that kept me going during the tough times.

Thank you to my book writing coach, Franca B. Lawrence, who has made my dream of writing this book a reality.  Thank you for encouraging me, supporting me, and cheering me on when I was on the brink of slowing down and procrastinating.  Your calm, pleasant, and professional approach to the way in which you conducted the coaching assisted in bringing out the best in me.  You created a wonderful writing experience that made me feel confident and able to achieve much more than I had ever imagined. I’m grateful to have shared my writing journey with you as my writing coach. Happy to recommend you every time.

Last but not least, I would like to give thanks to the author and finisher of my faith, El Shaddai, for inspiring me throughout this journey, and I look forward to what is to come.

Contents

Dedication

Foreword

Acknowledgement

Chapter One: I am a Survivor

Chapter Two: Abuse in Childhood

Chapter Three: An Unforgettable Teenage Ordeal

Chapter Four: A Happy Time in My Life

Chapter Five: Single Mum of Two

Chapter Six: Marriage and Divorce

Chapter Seven: Workplace Bullying and Harassment

Chapter Eight: Overcoming My Many Challenges

Chapter Nine: Advocating For The Abused

Chapter Ten: My Recommendations and Signposting of Helpful Organisations

Chapter One: I am a Survivor

I decided to write this book because it was an opportunity for me to speak out and expose that which had been hidden for years. God knew that through all the experiences that I went through, I would need a way to escape, a way to release, and a way to express myself verbally. My deep-rooted shyness made it difficult for me to deal with the terrible challenges and experiences I survived.

From childhood abuse, teenage rape, workplace bullying and harassment, infidelity, depression, domestic violence, and divorce. Writing this book was a very therapeutic part of the healing process. Forgiving myself and others was a revelation that set me free.

There is a saying that goes, ‘Don’t suffer in silence’, and I lived my life like that for a long time. However, I do not believe anyone should have to suffer at all. For this reason, I prefer to say, ‘DON’T SCREAM IN SILENCE!’ I grew up as the only daughter in a male-dominated household. The male gender figured highly in my life, with my father, the head of the family, being my role model.

The negative influences and experiences that I had did not align with my Christian upbringing, which, I hasten to add, was an extremely good and happy experience. Despite the challenges I faced outside of this family unit, as an individual, they were not a reflection of my faith.

My natural flare for writing began decades ago, thanks to my mum and dad for teaching me the alphabet and how to read and write. This was a big deal back then because education was very important in my home. This was in the late sixties. I still remember trying to use a dictionary and struggling with my spelling. My voice was silent, but the written words in my diary expressed my feelings, coated with hidden secrets and bearing lots of heartache and pain.

Thank God for my years of journaling because today, I can draw on all that experience and knowledge—backed with qualifications in training, learning, and development—and provide tailored support for women. In other words, one hat, as beautiful as it looks, does not fit all. I understand the complexities of life and the positive impact a comprehensive approach can have when dealing with issues. Therefore, the comprehensive approach outlined in this book aims to save victims from sinking into depression, having suicidal thoughts, feeling inferior, feeling helpless, feeling dirty, feeling speechless, and feeling ‘trapped’ and unable to move forward with their lives. I believe no human being has the right to take away another human being’s freedom or dignity, take advantage of another, or be violent towards another.

An Old Testament Proverb 31:8-9 (CEB): ‘Speak out on behalf of the voiceless, and for the rights of all who are vulnerable. Speak out in order to judge with righteousness and to defend the needy and the poor.’

(Source: www.biblegateway.com).

I do not just want to be a voice for the voiceless, but also to bring healing from past hurts and experiences that would set women free by empowering them to find their voice and start their journey towards healing and getting their ‘How Stella got