You clearly want to talk about it or you wouldn't have wrote a book about it.Yes, three times unfortunately in my life.
Worst was when I was sixteen. I don't want to go into minute detail, as I prefer to try and forget.
This person, I had got to know, enough I thought at the time to consider a friend - he was far from that. After a violent attack, I kept it quiet, uttered nothing (possibly shock.. I don't know) although those around me knew me well enough to know something bad had happened.
After a few months, I found the inner strength to speak about it to some close friends, then my Mum and Dad. At that time, no, the police had not been informed, as I was finding it difficult and those around me were supporting me. Yes, in hindsight I should have reported in immediately, but I was too 'fragile' and didn't want anymore at that precise moment.
After a few months, with the help of those around me, I found the strength to start going out again, albeit feeling apprehensive and ill at ease to do so.
One evening, whilst being with friends, even though yes, it was quite dark, I felt strong and brave enough in myself to walk home without any of them, that was an error on my part too, but at that time? I wasn't to know that.
Trying to cut a long event short, this male had heard through the grapevine about my confiding in people around me, to what he had done to me (to this day? no one knows who said what, and doubtful I'll ever know who told him.)
He was laying in wait around a corner near to my home. I heard glass being broken, and quite frankly? didn't think too much of it, that was until I rounded that corner. A broken bottle was smashed in my face, fracturing my cheek, and injuring my eye. To top it off, as I was out of it, all jewellery, bag and anything on me of value was taken.
Thankfully a neighbour had glanced out of their window and happened to hear me and eventually see me, she and her husband came to my aid.
That was the kick I needed, and when in hospital, I felt able and had no option, but to tell the detective that came to see me all that had happened.
Accept my apologies, I really don't want to go in to more detail or divulge more.
Verbally I can speak with reasonable ease about this, though it is difficult. But pen to paper, or even typing it out, seeing it in black and white - I find it hard, the memories flood back when I'd rather try and push them away. Not just because it happened quite a good few years ago now, but for my minds sake.
The other muggings took place after my marriage. The last time was early this year.
Yes, I carry concealed knife and have done ever since the first attack/mugging when I was a teen.


