Names and places have been changed in these stories to protect the confidentiality of our contributors.
Trigger Warning – The stories below contain themes of sexual violence and suicidal thoughts. More detailed trigger warnings are given at the start of each story so that you can decide whether to continue to read.
Lea’s* Story
‘Over the years I have grown used to comments such as “Shouldn’t you be at home cooking?” or “Wouldn’t you be better off working in an office?”’
Kate’s* Story
‘The chief officer asked me what I expected, living on a ship with grown men, and told me to grow up and stop causing trouble’
Evelyn’s* Story
‘My cabin was in a dead end corridor next to his so I had to walk past his cabin to get to mine. He would leave his door open so he could see when I passed and know when I was inside.’
Claire’s* Story (Part 2)
“There were times on that ship where the dream I had held on to for so long felt so far away, I stood on the poop deck watching the propeller wash and wanted to jump.”
Jo’s* Story
“I desperately wished my memory would give me a clue and reassure me – but it never did and in truth I was terrified what would come back.”
Ian’s* Story
“Having made the grade to go to sea (young people) will try to make the best of it, even if those who should help them do not, but they are easily hurt, must be treated with respect and nurtured.”
Natalie’s* Story
‘I didn’t think I could speak out about these things because I wasn’t the perfect victim, I wasn’t the perfect example of a female seafarer.’