Norwich UEA student, Ria Fergusson, shares abuse story

Ria Fergusson, of Norwich, was just ten years old when she became immersed in online grooming by a child exploitation ring. 

For four years, until the age of 13, she was exposed to a lot of unhealthy and mature content.

Ria Fergusson now supports young people as a youth leader - Picture: Submitted (Image: Ria Fergusson)

The abuse left her feeling emotionally overwhelmed and she started harming herself thinking it would reduce her emotional pain.  

All that changed when, at the age of 15, she experienced an incredible life-changing encounter at a Christian summer camp.

Originally from Suffolk, and now in her 20s, she said: “My self-confidence and worth in myself and how I thought I should be treated was completely warped. 

"I came to that camp not expecting much. I walked into that camp hurt in my heart and on my body in physical ways.” 

One evening, during a talk about self-harm, became a turning point. She has never harmed herself since then.

READ MORE: (Opinion) I was groomed by an online predator at the age of 15 - Here's what you need to know

READ MORE: Charity marks 40 years of supporting victims of abuse in Norfolk

Soul Church, Norwich - Picture: Antony Kelly (Image: Newsquest)

Now she is using her understanding of self-harm, shame, and the associated effects of anxiety and depression, to help others.  

Alongside her English Literature studies at the University of East Anglia, she has become a youth leader at Soul Church in Norwich. 

“We don’t know what a young person’s life is like," she added.

"Showing them that they are not alone is important.

"It’s brilliant for them to have other adults they can trust in their life."

Miss Fergusson first shared her story with Network Norfolk to help young people with similar issues.