‘I’m offering a lifeline’

MEET THE BRAVE WOMAN BARING ALL TO HELP OTHERS

- Courtney Greatrex

Looking at her vibrant blue hair and wide smile, it’s hard to believe Jas Rawlinson survived more than her fair share of trauma in her 37 years. Enduring close to a decade of family violence, losing her father to suicide and being sexually assaulted by a man she trusted, it could be enough for many to give up hope. Yet, the determined mum of one has overcome the odds and used her experiences as a catalyst to work for those without a voice. A public speaker, advocate and book coach, she’s penned a memoir, The Stories We Carry, to provide a lifeline for those battling the same demons.

“The way I help people is through my words,” Rawlinson tells WHO. “I felt a deep need to share my story with the world – in particular, how I came out the other side of family violence, suicide and sexual assault. I knew it could be a powerful opportunity to talk about the lesser-known forms of domestic violence, like gaslighting and coercive control.”