Trigger Warning: themes of psychological and sexual abuse.

Haileigh Lamont’s stepfather began grooming her when she was just 7 years old. After a few short years, he began to abuse her sexually. The abuse continued well into her teenage years, right up until she left home to start university.

Haileigh says she was too afraid to tell anyone about the abuse because her abuser told her that he’d kill her if she mentioned it to anyone. This fear kept her silent until she left home and began life as a student. She no longer had to live with the worry of being left alone with her pedophile stepfather.

This newfound freedom allowed her to enjoy her life for the first time. Living and studying away from home helped build Haileigh’s confidence. So much so that she found the strength to go to the police and tell them everything that had happened from age 7-17. The police then charged her stepfather, and he was brought in front of a judge. He was found guilty and given a custodial sentence. Haileigh’s bravery and confidence were so that she waved her right to anonymity.

After the conviction, Haileigh started ‘Renegade Advocacy,’ an organization that is dedicated to helping other victims and survivors of sexual abuse. Haileigh’s story is one of triumph.

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