In a new documentary featured on Invicta's Diary series, former UFC fighter and current Invicta FC fighter Kay Hansen has shared her life story in a way she has never done before.
She opened up about her difficult childhood, including the shocking revelation that she was allegedly raped and sexually assaulted by her own father as a teenager. Hansen credits the discovery of mixed martial arts as a way to find solace and escape from her troubled past.
On Tuesday, Hansen explained her decision to share her story in a social media post.
“This documentary was a big step for me, not necessarily as a fighter, but as a person,” Hansen stated. “My successes and struggles have all been in the public eye for many years but everyone has a story behind the scenes. I was raped / [sexually assaulted] by my father for years. Fighting [and] training was my escape, and the only form of reality I really had any control over.”
In a November 2021 interview with MMA Fighting, Kay Hansen revealed that she had been battling an eating disorder, which caused her to withdraw from a scheduled fight against Jasmine Jasudavicius at UFC 270. During the interview, she disclosed that she had been a victim of sexual assault and rape by a family member from the ages of 16 to 19. However, she did not reveal the identity of the alleged abuser, her father, due to concerns about the impact it might have on her future.
Now, in the new documentary featured on Invicta's Diary series, Hansen is sharing her story in more detail, hoping to inspire others who have gone through similar experiences.
“I never spoke up about the abuse I endured due to the repercussions that may follow,” says Hansen. “I tell my story not to ‘help people get to know me,’ but to use the platform my sport has given me to inspire courage in someone who is, or once was, in a similar situation. Sexual abuse is far too common, but oftentimes swept under the rug. You do not have to go through this alone. You deserve peace and justice. There is always light at the end of the tunnel.
“I am blessed to have made it out and to have the opportunity to create and rewrite my own story and mend what I did not break. With that being said, I am extremely happy with the way this documentary was approached and put together. Thank you to everyone who was involved.”
After a 1-3 stint in the UFC, Kay Hansen re-signed with Invicta in 2022. Currently recovering from an injury, the 23-year-old fighter is eager to make a comeback to the Invicta cage later this year.
Watch the documentary of Kay Hansen in the video below.