Finding My Voice

A TRUE STORY

Follow the author's heart-wrenching story about her domestic violence experiences with her Thai ex-partner and the secondary trauma of not being believed, being pressured to stay silent by some of her expat community, and being gaslit into questioning her reality. It's about a mother fighting to protect herself and her two babies from psychological abuse during the COVID pandemic lockdown on a remote island in Thailand. In this raw memoir, Juanelle courageously breaks years of enforced silence to share her journey from survivor to advocate.

"Did it really happen?" "Was I being dramatic?" For years, she dealt with intrusive thoughts and feelings of confusion and betrayal. Silence wasn't protecting anyone—it was eroding her authenticity. Writing became her lifeline, forcing her to trust her perceptions again.

Psychological abuse, such as threats, intimidation and manipulation, has been legally classed as domestic violence in Western countries since the 1980s, with Thailand following suit in 2007. Despite this widespread legal recognition, many people still don't realise that psychological abuse is domestic violence and can result in legal proceedings. The taboo nature of this subject perpetuates misinformation within uninformed communities. When communities silence victims to avoid 'drama, ' they enable abusers who learn that there are no social consequences for psychological abuse. Victims are re-victimised and prevented from accessing appropriate help.

Finding My Voice is more than a survival story—it's a roadmap for recognising the signs of psychological abuse, understanding your legal rights, and proving that speaking your truth is the path to authentic healing.

From Bangkok to remote islands, expat women face unique vulnerabilities. Juanelle's story exposes the hidden patterns that put women at risk and reveals how knowledge and self-advocacy can save lives.

Because ultimately, your safety and healing matter more than anyone else's comfort.