My name is Dorothy and I am Canadian.

In 2021 I was the victim of a very sophisticated international romance scam/fraud by a group of criminals.

It was a psychological violation. I was severely traumatized and wanted to take my own life. It was an act of violence against my will. I was coerced, manipulated and groomed expertly for the sole purpose of executing a crime on me which lasted 6 months. I suffered grief, hormonal and neurotransmitter withdrawal and extreme financial loss.

The ONLY reason I am not in the obituary section is because of SCARS. My road to recovery from victim to survivor required intense work. I participated in every zoom call possible, read and reread every article and guide, did extensive homework, completed the many SCARS workbooks, listened to other victims/survivors, journaled daily, and fought the demons in my head of blame guilt and shame.

I was humpty dumpty broken into a million pieces. I followed the rules, listened and struggled. The confidentiality of the group was paramount for me to participate.

I will forever be grateful for SCARS treatment and approach to me. SCARS primary role was to educate me and repair my crippled brain. Any hour of the day or night I could send a message and get a response. Every single aspect of SCARS was and is critical to my recovery and investment in myself.

Today I live fully present.