„At the age of 15, I found myself at care of my neighbors when my mother passed away and my father struggled with alcoholism.
„I remember this moment very well. My neighbor said I didn’t have the right to talk to other men. He pushed me down on the bed and ... and raped me. I was crying very hard pleading to stop abusing me. I managed to run when he went to the toilet and immediately told his wife.
His wife knew and saw everything, but she was too afraid of her husband to say something. He beat up everyone; his wife, me, and the younger boys. The assaults were repeated”.
Iuliana had long, beautiful hair. After the rape, the first thing she did was cut her hair and start wearing only men’s clothes. She doesn’t style her hair and wears no makeup.
She avoids wearing skirts or open clothing. She couldn’t have a relationship until the age of 27. Although she now has a boyfriend, she struggles with building their relationship, especially when it comes to intimate touching or kissing.
„My boyfriend would like me to wear a dress, make up or a hairdo... I can’t do that... it would feel like provoking men. I do not want this! I don’t think I will ever be able to make myself beautiful!”
Violence can strip survivors of their confidence and leave lasting emotional scars affecting all aspects of their life.