I read My Dark Vanessa by Kate Russell and it changed my life. As someone who experience grooming, it changed the way I view my relationship. It gave me the courage to begin to break away from my groomer.
I was 17 when a 54 year old man began grooming me. I was 18 when it became physical. I’m 25 now and still in a toxic relationship with him(62 now).
This book made me see the parallels between me and Vanessa and my abuser and Strain. It gave me the clarity and courage to tell my therapist about the relationship I have been part of for 7 years. Without reading the book I would still be in the relationship all on my own. I’m beginning to break away from him but it’s so hard. I empathized with Vanessa. I was disgusted by the relationship in the book making me disgusted with my own relationship. I hope this book has helped others in the way it has helped me. I also hope it has educated people on the last effects of these horrid relationships that happen between youth people and adults.
by pupperlover89