Jasmine is one of two main women in the book Sharing Strength. She is 20 years old and loves photography. She wanted to be a professional photographer for many years though she no longer believes she has the talents and abilities needed to make her dream a reality.
When she was 15 years old she began dating a guy that she thought was going to be the love of her life. He was a few years older than her so she tended to believe he was smarter just based on age. He was sadistic. He tortured her physically and even more so psychologically. He told her she was nothing without him. She came to believe that if she messed up he would leave her and she would die alone. When she did get out of line he would hit her while telling her why she had brought it on herself.
She hid the bruises from everyone, refusing to acknowledge the reality of the situation for four years. It was only when he went so far during a fight that he threatened to kill her that she finally fought back. Her survival instincts took over making her struggle desperately to live. She did escape him and charges were pressed but she still blamed herself. The torment she survived took such a dramatic toll on her psychologically that her friends and family pushed her into therapy where she was diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder.
After a few months of intense sessions her psychologist asked if she would be interested in attending a newly forming support group. She agreed hesitantly and did attend the meetings. She befriended another, slightly younger, girl that was also a part of the group. She became something of a big sister to the younger girl and tried to support her all while trying to find her own identity again. She interacted with the other members and together they formed a type of family unit dealing with triumphs and defeats alike.
Jasmine is a very personal character for me as she is based in part on events I encountered as well. I hope you enjoy getting to know her and taking the journey with her in Sharing Strength.
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