Vulnerability and emotional honesty have helped former tennis star Jelena Dokic manage years of physical and mental abuse.
In an emotional address to the National Press Club on Wednesday, the former women's world No.4 turned TV commentator said speaking out about her torment at the hands of her father and coach Damir Dokic had helped to save her.
"We have been taught so often that vulnerability is a weakness ... but in fact, to be vulnerable takes so much guts and courage," she said.
"Vulnerability has allowed me to really be open about everything that I'm going through and get professional help for the very first time after 15 years. It saved my life.
"It gave me the ability to go on every single day and then recover and actually be here today."
Dokic has outlined the abuse she sustained during her childhood and playing career in two books, as well a recent documentary.
In the speech, she said the behaviour of her father towards her was initially not taken seriously in the media.
"It was made fun of. It was in the papers as a joke. There was no concern for two underage kids going home with this person," she said.
"People are shocked when I say I don't hate my father. I don't hate him, I don't necessarily forgive him."
The tennis presenter said it was a step forward to see many other victim-survivors, such as other prominent sporting figures like US gymnastics star Simone Biles, speaking up about their experiences at the hands of abusers.
"Let's create safe spaces and environments. Let's support people," she said.
"Most importantly the day that we stop talking about the most important issues in our society and we turn our backs to them, that's when our world and our society ends."
"Sharing my story, telling the truth, not being silent saved my life. No shame, no judgement, no stigma, but also no silence."
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