Aunee Bhogaita says she has rebuilt her life after years of trauma, addiction and serious illness, and is now using her experiences to support others across the community.
Aunee grew up in Leicester in a large Hindu household. She describes her early years as busy and traditional but says that between the ages of five and eight she experienced sexual abuse by an older family member. No charges were brought and there has been no formal finding. She does not identify the person involved.
She says she did not understand what had happened to her until early adolescence.
At 13 she told her mother. Police were informed at the time but the case did not proceed.
Aunee says she felt pressure from parts of her extended family not to speak about the issue.
She describes this response as common in environments where reputation and privacy are prioritised.
Her mental health declined, and at 13 she attempted to take her own life.
She says she continued to encounter the person she believes harmed her, which made recovery more difficult.
In her late teens she entered a relationship she describes as emotionally controlling.
She later became a young mother, raising three children alone while trying to manage unresolved trauma.
Aunee began drinking heavily as a coping mechanism.
What started gradually developed into a dependency that lasted more than ten years.
Her physical health deteriorated rapidly. She experienced seizures related to withdrawal and was repeatedly admitted to hospital. Doctors warned her family that her life was at risk.
Her mother contacted a local support organisation, which led Aunee to Turning Point.
With encouragement from staff, she entered trauma?informed support and a medical detox programme.
She was later offered a place at The Nelson Trust, where she spent four and a half months in residential treatment. She describes this period as the turning point in her recovery. She left the programme sober and focused on rebuilding her life.
Aunee went on to complete a degree in biomedical science and later gained a master’s degree in molecular genetics. She now works in the pharmaceutical sector.
Rebuilding her relationship with her children became another central part of her recovery. She has been open with them about her struggles with addiction and the impact it had on their lives.
In 2021 she met her partner, Rico, after he saw an interview she had given on addiction and recovery. They were together until his sudden death in 2024 following a medical incident.
Despite the loss, she continued her recovery and went on to develop Brown Girl in a Bottle, a project aimed at supporting people facing trauma, addiction and mental health challenges within South Asian communities.
Aunee now works with schools, local professionals and community groups to encourage more open conversations about subjects she says are often difficult to discuss in South Asian households.
She hopes her story will help others feel less alone. “Recovery is possible,” she said. “The shame isn’t yours to carry.”
By Romail Gulzar
Disclaimer:
This article reflects Aunee Bhogaita’s personal account. Allegations mentioned have not resulted in charges and no court findings have been made. No individual is identified, and the publication does not assign wrongdoing to any person.
The content is for general information only and not professional advice. Readers affected by similar issues should seek support from qualified services.
