“`html
Astrid,a Dutch athlete and public figure,has publicly shared her harrowing experiences with domestic violence and suicidal thoughts stemming from a deeply troubled childhood.Her story highlights the long-lasting impact of abuse and the importance of seeking help and finding pathways to healing.
Early Life and Family Dynamics
Astrid describes a childhood marked by constant conflict between her parents. She recalls a home environment characterized by “shouting and hitting,” with her mother being the primary victim of her father’s aggression. Despite the abusive dynamic with her father, Astrid remembers her mother as a source of warmth and unwavering support. “We were lucky to have a mother who did everything for us and was always there,” she stated.
Intervening in Violence and its Consequences
At the age of thirteen, Astrid first intervened when her father physically assaulted her younger sister, striking her head against a marble surface. She bravely questioned his actions, asking, “Why are you doing that?” This confrontation triggered a violent outburst from her father, resulting in her being physically assaulted and subsequently being forced to leave home.
Hiding the Abuse and Finding an Outlet
Astrid explains that the violence within her family was concealed from the outside world, preventing anyone from holding her father accountable. To cope with the trauma, she turned to basketball as an outlet for her anger and frustration. “I could release my aggression, anger, and rage there. I think if I hadn’t had that, I would have ended up very differently,” she shared.
Escalating Abuse and Suicidal Ideation
The abuse extended into the night, with Astrid experiencing repeated verbal abuse from her father. She recounts being repeatedly woken up and subjected to demeaning and belittling statements about her worth. This relentless abuse led to a dark place, where she began to contemplate taking her father’s life. ”I was walking around with plans to murder him as I saw no way out. I slept with a large Tefal knife under my bed, because I thought: today or tomorrow I’ll just stab you to death,” she confessed.







