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Bachelor star: I'm a domestic violence survivor

Sydney-based lifeguard Juliana Bahr-Thomson may be recognised by viewers on The Bachelor this year as one of the stars of Bondi Rescue.

But when she’s not patrolling the beach, she sees herself as a ‘mermaid with a message’ of a different sort.

The 29-year-old has spent plenty of time in recent years campaigning against domestic violence, after being subject to physical and emotional abuse at the hands of family members during her childhood.

Bachelor contestant Juliana Bahr-Thomson had a tough childhood after being subjected to domestic violence. Source: Channel Ten
Bachelor contestant Juliana Bahr-Thomson had a tough childhood after being subjected to domestic violence. Source: Channel Ten

“Being a child it’s so much more complex… I did not realise the effects it had on me until I got older and more knowledgeable,” she told Daily Mail Australia back in 2016.

“Growing up I thought I had the same upbringing as everyone else and you presume everyone is going through what you are.”

In 2016 Juliana paddled 1000km from Newcastle to Noosa to raise awareness and funds for Surfrider Foundation and White Ribbon Australia.

She has been an ambassador for White Ribbon, an organisation that raises awareness to help prevent domestic violence. Source: White Ribbon Australia
She has been an ambassador for White Ribbon, an organisation that raises awareness to help prevent domestic violence. Source: White Ribbon Australia

“I know with domestic violence there are so many stigmas, people think not that person, they’re a successful business person, or a successful sports person, but that’s what I want to break, those stigmas, so people are aware it could be anyone,” she told The Daily Telegraph at the time.

“I don’t want people to go through what I’ve been through, so maybe just by putting it out there, even if it’s just one girl or guy the courage to walk out of their situation, that’s all I want.”

Juliana explained that focusing on sport during her schooling years helped her cope with what was happening at home with her step family.

The lifeguard used sport during her childhood to help her cope, and in 2016 she paddled 1000km to raise more funds and awareness about domestic violence. Source: Instagram/mermaid.witha.message
The lifeguard used sport during her childhood to help her cope, and in 2016 she paddled 1000km to raise more funds and awareness about domestic violence. Source: Instagram/mermaid.witha.message

Years later, her passion for keeping active has lived on, as she’s competed in world championship triathlons and starred in Channel Ten’s Bondi Rescue.

Now she is looking for love on the network’s popular dating show, The Bachelor, starring former professional rugby union footballer, Nick ‘Honey Badger’ Cummins.

During last night’s premiere episode, Juliana stood out as she chose to enter the mansion barefoot.

The Bachelor continues tonight at 7:30pm on Channel Ten.

If you or someone you know is suffering from sexual or domestic abuse, don’t suffer in silence, call 1800 RESPECT any time of day or night.

Fans may recognise Juliana from Bondi Rescue. Source: Channel Ten
Fans may recognise Juliana from Bondi Rescue. Source: Channel Ten
Will she find love with The Bachelor himself, Nick Cummins aka the Honey Badger? Source: Channel Ten
Will she find love with The Bachelor himself, Nick Cummins aka the Honey Badger? Source: Channel Ten

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