A NEWCASTLE woman has decided helping others is her next recovery step after being left emotionally paralysed from domestic abuse.
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Shame, fear and anguish continue to plague her to the point she feels her ex-partner is still watching her.
"I lived in fear the entire time [I was with my partner]," she said.
"And I still live in fear."
After she found the strength and courage to leave her partner, Sarah (a pseudonym to protect her identity) started on a downward spiral.
She developed severe post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression.
From the depths of despair, she has moved towards helping other women in similar situations.
Sarah will speak publicly about her experience for the first time at an International Women's Day event this Thursday, March 5, at Mayfield's Hunter Women's Centre.
The annual worldwide day is held on March 8 and aims to recognise women's social, political and economic achievements.
Sarah's story is one of three that will be told at the event, hosted by specialist homelessness service Nova For Women and Children in conjunction with Family Support Newcastle and Ability Links.
Each story will focus on domestic violence.
Event organiser Nicola Hirschhorn said that was not planned.
"It just so happened that each speaker had an experience with domestic violence," Ms Hirschhorn said.
The free event will include afternoon tea, a body percussion session, an Indian dance performance and a photo booth.
■ International Women's Day event, Thursday, March 5, 2.30-4.30pm at the Hunter Women's Centre, Mayfield.