Once again, reality TV star Kylie Jenner has used her Instagram account to raise awareness for an anti-bullying campaign that she supports. Using the hashtag #IAmMoreThan, ordinary individuals are able to share stories of abuse, recovery and empowerment to millions of people around the world. This time around, Kylie shared the story of Matteo Bologna, an Australian man who has survived multiple counts of rape and physical abuse.
“ #IAmMoreThan a victim of rape. I'm a survivor,” says Matteo. In the lengthy caption to his photo that was reposted by Kylie, he recounts his experience being in a relationship with a drug addict. He was repeatedly raped and physically abused, before he finally had the courage to tell his friends and family about what was happening to him.
“Things were great..at the start, until he got addicted and started to rely heavily on the drug crystal meth,” he said. He spoke about being drugged by his partner, and subsequently tied down and gang raped by eight different men. Apart from the sexual abuse, he was also physically hurt.
Because it took him so long to seek help, he is sharing his story to encourage others to speak up. “Though no one should be ashamed of domestic violence and rape. It's never your fault and you should always speak up and help is out there,” he said.
Matteo is an Australian teenager, whose story is now being heard by millions of people around the world, thanks to Kylie Jenner’s help. Kylie has been actively advocating anti-bullying movements, and has been vocal about her own experiences. Growing up in the public eye, she and the rest of her family have been constantly bashed by haters and online bullies for years.