Jelena Dokic reveals the heartbreaking abuse she suffered at the age of just 17
Jelena Dokic reveals the heartbreaking abuse she endured at the age of 17, as the former Australian tennis star vows to shed light on the ‘sad reality’ of domestic violence
Jelena Dokic has shined a light on the “sad reality” of domestic violence after posting heartbreaking photos of the violence she suffered as a young tennis player.
The Australian, 39, has long been open about her struggles with depressing, social media abuse, body shaming and the domestic violence she’s endured throughout her career.
In her book, Unbreakable, Dokic revealed that her father regularly beat her with a belt or hard boot, and that she was once knocked unconscious by him.
On Thursday, Dokic posted photos of herself at the age of 17 with bruised legs on Instagram, saying she was “sad and angry” about the countless number of women who are being abused.
“Swollen, bruised and bleeding shins from being beaten and kicked all night with sharp shoes right against my shins for losing a game,” she posted on Instagram.
Jelena Dokic has shared the “sad reality” of domestic violence on her Instagram page
She showed off her bruised legs at just 17 years old to raise awareness of the issue
“These pictures were taken over two weeks later and I was still badly bruised. I was 17 years old.
To this day I still have tender and lumpy shins from this beating.
“From every wound there is a scar and these are mine. I survived, but not every woman and girl has or will.
“And that’s the sad reality.”
She added that she wanted to speak for patients who don’t have the same platform as her.
“I was speaking at an event today about domestic and family violence and I was sad,” she continued.
“Sad and angry for the tens of millions of women in the world who I know are going through much worse right now than I have ever experienced.
In Australia alone, one woman a week is killed by domestic violence.
1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime.
“The numbers are even worse worldwide.
“The more we don’t talk about it, the more we avoid the problem, the more we fail women and girls.
“For those reading this who may be dealing with assault or domestic violence, know that I understand.
Dokic revealed in her book how her father (left) regularly beat her as a tennis player
“I know how scared and scared you are.
“Know that you have incredible strength and courage.
‘Nothing is your fault.
“For those who can, please be there for those who need help and support. Don’t shy away from them and don’t let them down.
“Coming from someone who has been there, abandoned and terrified, please don’t turn your back. Women and girls need you and your help.’