 I'm a lifestyle influencer with 44,500 followers and a 42-year-old mum-of-two. I'm independent, successful and I thought I'd left my past behind me – but when I heard about Rebekah Vardy's alleged abuse during her childhood in the Jehovah's Witnesses, I was triggered. It took me right back to my own childhood, when I was also abused growing up in the same religion. There are around 130,000 Jehovah's Witnesses – a Christian-based religious movement whose members believe the destruction of the world is imminent – in the United Kingdom and about 8.5million followers worldwide. Jehovah's Witnesses are known for their refusal of blood transfusions; for not participating in politics or bearing arms; and for not celebrating Christmas, Easter or birthdays. I grew up as part of the congregation in a big city. Along with my family, I'd go to a meeting, or service, every week, do the ministry on Saturday, where we knocked on people's doors to tell them about the Jehovah's Witnesses, and another meeting on Sunday. I was discouraged from having friends outside of the church, which was upsetting as a child, especially in the summertime. I used to watch the other children from my street play together outside from the window and wish I could join them. But I couldn't ever imagine life outside of the church. It was arranged in such a way that we were so busy, we never had time to question anything – like the fact that women are discouraged from working. The man is the head of the household and so what he says goes. In our house, my mum didn't work because my dad wouldn't allow it. He said that he was the breadwinner. It is a very strict, patriarchal religion which is, in my experience, ruled, largely, by fear. Anyone who challenges their ways risks being labelled an 'apostate' and 'disfellowshipped'. I felt very isolated and let down (Picture: Venetia Williams) Anything from drinking too much alcohol, sm){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
I’m a lifestyle influencer with 44,500 followers and a 42-year-old mum-of-two.
I’m independent, successful and I thought I’d left my past behind me – but when I heard about Rebekah Vardy’s alleged abuse during her childhood in the Jehovah’s Witnesses, I was triggered.
It took me right back to my own childhood, when I was also abused growing up in the same religion.
There are around 130,000 Jehovah’s Witnesses – a Christian-based religious movement whose members believe the destruction of the world is imminent – in the United Kingdom and about 8.5million followers worldwide.