Rebekah Vardy, who is famous as the wife of English footballer Jamie Vardy and was also at the center of Wagatha Christie’s dramatic trial last year, has revealed the truth behind her growing up as the are Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Presenting a new Channel 4 documentary titled Rebekah Vardy: Jehovah’s Witnesses and IVardy says she grew up in religious organization until she was 15 years old when she was shunned from the community she grew up in, in Norwich.

The film comes at a time when Jehovah’s Witnesses, a closed and often secretive religion, have been embroiled in allegations of child sexual abuse in recent years.

One of the key elements of the faith of Jehovah’s Witnesses is the belief that the end of the world is coming, which is something Vardy says she was taught growing up.

In a heartbreaking story in the documentary, Vardy describes how she was abused as a child, and claims that when she reported it to elders in the organization, she was told that Notifying the police would have “embarrassed” her family and she was subsequently shunned.

She describes being shunned – also known as being expelled from the organization – for many people, often meaning they are cut off by close friends and family members.

Vardy said in front of the camera: “Since about 12 years old, I have been abused. “So I told my mom about the abuse I was going through. She cried but didn’t believe me, [she] told many members of my family and members of Jehovah’s Witnesses called a meeting.”

Vardy said she was unsupportive when it came to revealing what was happening to her.

“It was given to me [by the elders] that I misinterpreted abuse as a form of affection, [even though] I know what is right and what is wrong.”

“And it was explained to me that I had the potential to bring shame to my family and I was basically drawn into thinking that it wasn’t the best thing to do to go further and bring it up. police.

“I remember having a big argument and being told to go out and never come back. It’s hard to know how I survived,” Vardy said.

Elsewhere in the documentary, Vardy reveals that she has not had contact with family members since leaving the organization at the age of 15. She was also estranged from her mother for 7 years.

“It is only when you have children that you really become fiercely protective. But no one values ​​me enough to protect me… my children are everything,” Vardy said emotionally to the camera.

At the end of the documentary, Vardy said that she understood why her family members never abandoned Jehovah’s Witnesses.

“When you’re so focused on that, it’s hard to see the bigger picture when you’re inside those four walls — and I think that’s what makes this organization so dangerous,” she said.

channel 4 Rebekah Vardy: Jehovah’s Witnesses and I It will be broadcast at 10 pm on May 16.

If you are a child and you need help because something has happened to you, you can call the NSPCC toll free on 0800 1111. You can also call the NSPCC if you are an adult and you are concerned. worry about a child, on 0808 800 5000. The National Association for Childhood Abuse (Napac) provides adult support on 0808 801 0331.

If you are experiencing emotional distress, or are struggling to cope, you can confidently speak to Samaritans on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org or visit Visit the Samaritans website to find detailed information about your condition. nearest branch.