I am Li Lin and I came to Singapore when I was 9 years old. When I was young, my family had financial problems and my parents fought a lot. I was often alone at home and had to take care of myself. My family moved to Singapore because of my father’s work but he subsequently changed jobs multiple times. He was stressed and even beat my mother.
My mother decided to return to China but I stayed in Singapore to finish my studies, staying together with my father and an uncle. The uncle sexually abused me, gave me drinks and cigarettes, and kept offering us money to get what he wanted. Even when I was in pain, my uncle didn’t care. Whenever he got angry, my father scolded me for not doing anything for him – the fact was, I had, but couldn’t tell the truth. I started self-harming, and attempted suicide.
A teacher at school noticed that I was going through a crisis. He later called my child protection officer and I was brought to the police station. My father and uncle kept calling but I was too afraid to pick up the phone. I was sent to the hospital for a check-up and warded. Eventually, I entered Dayspring RTC for treatment. I struggled for a long time trying to overcome my past. I kept blaming myself. I cut myself many times, once even on the neck in front of the Dayspring girls. After that cut, I realised that it simply was not worth it to hurt myself because it did not solve any problems. So, I stopped self-harming.
Now, I tell myself and others: ‘The past is past. Now is the present. Make sure you live in the present fully and positively.’ I hope that those who have gone through abuse can be stronger and not give up – even though it is difficult most of the time.
“Li Lin” has since graduated from Dayspring. She has reunited with her mother and is doing well in school. She thanks the volunteers, staff and donors for having contributed to her recovery and healing process.