Archive · 21 Nov 2025
Survivor Shares Story of Overcoming Childhood Sexual Abuse and Domestic Violence
Priyatama Sharma was sexually abused as a child and later married a man who abused her.
She escaped by getting an education and now helps others understand abuse and respect.
She's happy now with her new husband.
Priyatama Sharma, a woman from Uttar Pradesh, India, was sexually abused from age 5 to 15 by various individuals, including neighbors and strangers on trains.
She was married at 20 to a man who physically and mentally abused her, despite her having a degree and working part-time jobs.
Priyatama broke free from her abusive marriage and ex-husband's control by pursuing higher education and a career in librarianship.
She now advocates for teaching children about good and bad touch, and raising boys to respect women to prevent sexual abuse.
Priyatama is happily married and living her best life, despite her past traumas.
- Who
- Priyatama Sharma
- What
- Overcame childhood sexual abuse and domestic violence
- When
- Abuse occurred from age 5 to 15, marriage at 20, escape and healing ongoing
- Where
- Uttar Pradesh, India
- Why
- To raise awareness about abuse, teach children about good and bad touch, and help others
Victim's Perspective
Societal Perspective
Blame and Shame
Victim's Perspective
Priyatama felt blamed and shamed for the abuse, leading to self-blame and silence.
Societal Perspective
- Age of first abuse
- 5 years old
- Duration of abuse
- 10 years
- Age of marriage
- 20 years old
- Current occupation
- Librarian at a university in Bhopal
- Current marital status
- Married