which perhaps trained counsellors or psychotherapists could give them. It was clear that help was needed for both of us.

The female police officer was very understanding. The male officer was sat there writing down everything I was saying and not showing any emotion, it was obvious they were trained well with dealing with cases like this. Once I had found the courage to talk, everything started to come out and I hadn’t realised how much pain and abuse I had endured till the officer stated it in technical terms such as ‘physical assault, mental trauma, mental abuse’ and so on.

There were times I just wept when I retold them everything, but I must admit that afterwards I felt a huge burden of pain and sorrow begin to ease from my mind, body, and soul. The officers had