My name is Vicki J Bowering.
For 33 years I was a publisher in the 'The Truth' as it is called by insiders. My Great grandfather began the tradition and I was expected to follow. As the oldest of 6 children and my father as an Elder, I was expected to set the example. I was also privy to a lot of the internal squabbles and strife within the judicial section of the organization. I can't pretend I didn't always have unanswered questions and doubts. I can say I did not feel I had the strength to leave without the right to see my brothers and sister or any of my previous friends. Indeed I was a very conflicted person. My conflict was further increased by the subconscious repression of my first 11 years filled with Sexual abuse and segregation by 3 members of my family. It was not until informed by Family Services that my own children were displaying signs of child abuse that I was galvanized into immediate action. When no action was taken after my complaint through the Society's judicial channels plus when I WAS TOLD TO STOP TALKING ABOUT THE ABUSE, I acted. Dissociating myself I proceeded to write the Book SEX in the SECT, at a Publisher's request.
I knew this would cost me my former friends and family. I would become an outcast.
Little did I suspect the struggle I would have when trying to trust or even know my own beliefs.
Amid this distressing period of time my long term partner, father to our children, best friend and fellow recent ex Jehovah's Witness, was shot dead while waiting for a coach in a sleepy Queensland town. It was a random bungled robbery. 2 men were later jailed for life. I ran away to sea and jumped boats up the Queensland coast, lived a largely vagabond life, endeavouring to find peace of mind, body and Spirit. It has been my privilege to speak at the 4th International conference of The Association of Trauma and Dissociation held in Brisbane , September 1997.
Good faith and Associates Melbourne University , Australia . May 1998. Boston Psychological Society October 1998. Boston College , USA .
I live between my Queensland rainforest retreat and sailing on the Great Barrier Reef in my homemade sailing boat. I feel I have a free mind and open heart since leaving the Sect {Cult} behind.
My main focus however is to see the laws change regarding the lack of protection of children in Religious orders and that MANDITOR REPORTING OF CHILD ABUSE IS INTRODUCED IN ALL RELIGIONS!
sounds like she has been through a lot
