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Raised in South Africa by two morticians, Kerry grew up with a loving mother and an absent, alcoholic father who, in her words, should never have been a parent. In sobriety, memories of him behaving in sexually inappropriate ways towards her, and allegedly involving his friends, have begun to resurface.
But the harm within her family didn't end there.
Kerry also shares that she experienced sexual abuse by her brother. As she got older, a moment involving him and her younger sister forced her to confront a reality she could no longer ignore.
By adolescence, Kerry was already drinking heavily, and that pattern of survival followed her into adulthood. After moving to Australia, isolation, loneliness and a later violent relationship deepened her dependence on alcohol. The cycle of unsafe and untrustworthy men continued to repeat itself throughout her life.
Eventually, Kerry reached a breaking point and found Alcoholics Anonymous. She shares how AA helped her begin rebuilding her life, particularly through Step Four, where she was finally able to have honest conversations with her mother about what really happened in her childhood home.
Disclaimer: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised.
This episode contains discussions of sexual assault, addiction, drug use, mental health, suicide and recovery. If this episode raises anything for you, please reach out to a trusted support person or contact a crisis support service in your area.
The National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline is a free and confidential 24/7 phone service that provides counselling, advice, and information for those struggling with addiction. Call 1800 250 015
