Warning: This post deals with sexual abuse.
If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Vakoo Kauapirura has revealed she was sexually abused as a child.
Speaking to Holly Richards and Ali Cromarty on reality TV podcast Real Talk with Holly & Ali, the 23-year-old model opened up about the traumatic experience which led to her and her mother leaving their home in Namibia, Africa.
WATCH: Ex-Bachelor star Vakoo talks about her relationship with Rachael
“I was born in Namibia,” she tells Real Talk.
“I lived there until I was 11. I had a really, really good life, but then I had a lot of traumatic stuff happen as well. When I was younger, in Namibia, I was sexually abused. I think I was eight years old, when it happened.”
Vakoo says she didn’t tell her mum about the incident for some time because she was worried she wouldn’t believe her, but when another heartbreaking incident occurred, she couldn’t keep it a secret any long.
“I think my mum eventually… because we had another incident. She was like, ‘I need to take her out’,” Vakoo explains.
“And she moved to England, to start a better life, and all that stuff. So then, she got me a ticket to go to Manchester.
“It would have been so hard for her. This is why I’m so scared to have a daughter, because I’m just like, oh my God, the stuff girls go through.”
Despite all the hardship she’s been through, Vakoo is adamant she won’t allow the experience to ruin her life.
“I don’t really like to blame the world,” she says.
“I just try my best.”
To hear to the rest of the exclusive interview with Vakoo listen to the latest episode of Real Talk with Holly & Ali, below.
Need help? Call Lifeline on 131 114, visit www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/get-help-home, or call beyondblue on 1300 224 636.
If you would like to talk to someone about mental health, you can call the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or Headspace on 1800 650 890.
If you or someone you know is affected by sexual assault or family violence, call the 1800RESPECT hotline or visit www.1800respect.org.au/. You can also call the Domestic Violence Hotline on 1800 656 463.
If you or someone you know is affected by an eating disorder, call the Butterfly Foundation on 1800 33 4673 or visit their website here.
If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
This article originally appeared on WHO magazine.
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