Beaten but not Broken

by Vanessa Govender

At the height of her journalism career, more than one million households across the country knew her name and her face. Her reportage on human suffering and triumph captivated viewers. Yet Govender, a champion for society’s downtrodden, was hiding a shocking story of her own. She was a rookie reporter at the SABC in 1999. He was a popular presenter at a radio station. They were the perfect pair, or so it seemed. Behind closed doors the bruising punches, the cracking slaps and the beatings, kicking, and strangling were as ferocious as the emotional and verbal abuse he hurled at her. No one knew the brutal and graphic details of Govender’s abuse … until now.

In this memoir, Govender breaks the ranks of a close-knit, conservative community to speak out about her five-year-long hell in an abusive relationship. Govender tells a graphic story of extreme abuse, living with the pain and how she was saved by her own relentless fighting spirit.

296 pages, Paperback

Published February 12, 2019

Reviews

[Kinjal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today I finished a book which shook me in many ways. One of which was learning of another woman being sapped of her innate powers from an insecure abuser and ultimately unworthy man.

We will not be silent

Thank you Vanessa Tedder for giving us 'Beaten But Not Broken'

[Vida Sik · Rating 5 out of 5]

This heart-wrenching memoir is a testimony of a strong and resilient woman, who has gone through hell and emerged on the other side. Sharing her story was hard, but it brings hope for the many other women still caught up in abusive relationships. It is only by speaking up that the cycle of violence against women can be broken. It is highly recommended.

[Avid reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Painful memoir, tells everything about her past. I felt like crying most of the book.

[Ruvi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredibly heartbreaking yet inspiring read. Vanessa’s story is a reminder that anyone can become trapped in the vicious cycle of abuse in a toxic relationship but at the same time it is a story of hope - that we all wield the power of breaking free from abusers and manipulators when we realize our own strength and worth. Not for sensitive/easily triggered readers as it does contain graphic descriptions of abuse and sexual assault.

[Divinia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could not put it down!!! So much to process and so much she has been through. Being an Indian this resonated alot with me. At times i felt sad for the emotions this strong women had to go through. However i am so glad that she found happiness. A must read in my books!

[Charmaine Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A honest true story about how we must first love ourselves to overcome anything ti become who we were always meant to be. Truely inspiring