Jelena Dokic wrote a lengthy essay to those struggling to heal from the trauma of domestic violence on Monday.
In her book, Unbreakable, Jelena revealed her father and former manager Damir Dokic inflicted regular beatings on her with a belt or a hard-capped boot, and she was once knocked unconscious by him.
Posting before and after photos of herself at the age of 16 and now, the Australian tennis legend, 40, talked about the power of survivors finding their voice.
In the the heart-wrenching post, the sports commentator shared two photos to show the brutal reality of suffering abuse as a child.
On the left was a photo of Jelena at the age of 16 looking incredibly sad and detached from the world around her.
Jelena Dokic, 40, (pictured) wrote a lengthy message to those struggling to heal from the trauma of domestic abuse on Monday as she shared before and after photos of herself aged 16 and now
Meanwhile, the picture on the right was a recent happy snap of the former athlete sporting a huge smile as she attended a speaking event.
In the lengthy caption, Jelena wrote: ‘A picture is worth a thousand words! On the left, 16 years old and silenced, threatened and beaten to unconsciousness and so sad and afraid.
‘On the right is me today, found my voice, fearless, happy and free. I almost didn’t make it but today I stand tall and proud of coming through the other side despite everything.
‘So I want this post to be for those that are or have been abused in any way.’
The heart wrenching post, which she shared with her Instagram followers, saw the sports commentator show the brutal reality of suffering abuse as a child
Jelena went on to say she wants to help survivors of abuse realise what they suffered was in no way their fault.
She said she ‘felt so much shame about being abused’ by her father as a young tennis player, but has since found her voice and wants to help others do the same.
In April, Jelena opened up on the ‘sad reality’ of domestic abuse after posting heartbreaking photos of the violence she suffered as a young tennis player.
In April, Jelena opened up on the ‘sad reality’ of domestic abuse after posting heartbreaking photos of the violence she suffered as a young tennis player
In her book, Unbreakable, Jelena revealed her father inflicted regular beatings on her with a belt or a hard-capped boot, and she was once knocked unconscious by him
The former world No4 posted images of herself at 17 with bruised legs on Instagram, saying she is ‘sad and angry’ about the countless number of women suffering abuse.
In an Instagram post at the time, the former tennis star wrote: ‘There is no greater suffering than carrying an untold story or pain.’
For confidential 24-hour support in Australia, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
In her book, Unbreakable, Jelena revealed her father inflicted regular beatings on her with a belt or a hard-capped boot, and she was once knocked unconscious by him
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