Haley
TW (Trigger warning) / Sexual abuse in the form of revenge porn
“Fill your cup first, do you and put yourself/your dreams/wants/ambitions high in priority. Don’t worry about what others are doing or what others think.”
Haley has experienced the unimaginable. She was stripped of her own liberties when she became a victim of revenge porn; her privacy was violated as were her basic human rights. But nevertheless, with the support of loving friends and family, Haley fought through these terrifying times. Now she stands as a powerful role model for all those who have endured an assault of this kind. She is an advocate for speaking out, knowing your worth and carrying on despite what’s been thrown your way. Haley is undeniably resilient. She is her happiest living in the moment, embarking on new adventures, surrounded by good friends and good music. Haley is a survivor, and this is her story.
P: Please introduce yourself!
H: I'm Haley! 25 rotations around the sun and I still haven't quite found my purpose yet but I am having a hell of a lot of fun along the way. I am very lucky to call Christchurch, New Zealand home which is where I have lived most of my life. Although I spent 16 months living in North America, 6 of those months were spent travelling in minivan, living and experiencing life in all its glory - it's still to this day one of the best things I have ever and probably will ever do. You will find me....travelling, in the outdoors, hiking or working out, consuming yummy food, listening to or mixing music, dancing/raving, cleaning/organising and spending time with my favourite human beings!
P: Describe or define yourself in your own words.
H: I am easy going yet energetic, highly organised and honest, passionate and full of life with lots more to give! Of course we are not all perfect, we all make mistakes and have flaws - I accept and acknowledge that. However, I am also a generally positive person so wanted to share the more pleasant ways I see myself.
P: What is your favourite thing about yourself?
H: My favourite things about myself all sort of fall under the same umbrella: My organisational skills, attention to detail and passion for cleaning and tidying. Makes my life easier and more enjoyable!
P: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that has defined you or made you stronger?
H: A number of years ago I was a victim of revenge porn for reasons that are still unknown to me. It wasn't just spread amongst a group of friends, it would have been spread amongst hundreds if not more. I really do not know how far it was spread, how much was said or what views/opinions of me were changed. What I do know is that I am not the only one this has ever happened to. It showed me who my true friends are and how much my family loves and supports me, it showed me that I can't trust everyone and that not everyone has your best interests at heart. Going through this when I did and the other surrounding circumstances at the time really showed me how strong I am as a person and that I have the ability to deal with anything thrown at me. I owned what happened and the mistake I made, I held my head high and moved on much quicker than a lot of other people did. For a long time, I was ashamed of this story but now I am open and share it when conversations of the topic come up. Mainly to spread awareness, accept and show others that although it's scary and very hurtful, that things can get better and people move on.
P: What is one piece of advice you would give your younger self?
H: Fill your cup first, do you and put yourself/your dreams/wants/ambitions high in priority. Don't worry about what others are doing or what others think.
P: What does being a woman mean to you?
H: It means being the best person I can be, everyday!
P: Who is one who inspires you? What would you say to her if she were here now?
H: My aunty, Victoria, inspires me. Although we never got the chance to meet or share anytime together due to a tragedy that happened when Vick was very young, I constantly feel she is with me and from the many stories from loved family members - I know she was full of life, never took life too seriously and given the chance, she would have created a really amazing life for herself and contributed endlessly to our family. I live my life as full and freely as possible, because Vick never got the chance to and I like to think she still gets to live through me!
