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6 | InTouch JUNE 2022 Talitha’s story FROMWALKING ON EGGSHELLS TOWALKING ON STAGE Central Region fieldworker and member, Talitha Vial, bravely shares her speech that has seen her win a regional Toastmaster speech competition. FEATURE Warning: This article contains experiences of domestic violence. If you or anyone, you know, needs assistance please refer to the contact numbers at the end of this article. Eggshells I was thrown into a life I didn’t see coming. In the early part of my 16th year I thought, I’m finally free! I’m out of foster care. When I grow up, I’m going to be happy! Now what exciting things will life bring. . . At 17 , I walked down the aisle. I fixed the hole in the wall, so no one saw. Invisible egg shells started to appear. At 17 and a half , I was pregnant and excited…. I don’t mind only wearing skirts and not cutting my hair, I suppose. I might be allowed to be able to change my outfits soon as my belly gets bigger. The midwife would look at me sideways as she did the normal physical checks. I explained I was a good wife and I had expectations expected of me. She advised Talitha at age 18 with her newborn. Talitha, pictured with her husband, is “happy and free”.