— Rebecca

Rebecca's scars are caused from both self harming and scarification, using scalpels, scissors and sometimes glass or knives.

Do you think your scars affect the way that people perceive you?
For the most part people seem to think my cross is 'amazing' or 'really cool' and then see the scars on my arm from self harm and seem confused about having both, people also seem quite shocked by the heavy scaring on my legs. Sometimes I feel that I live up to peoples stereotypes of alternative people with piercings and tattooing self harming.

Have you had any particularly negative (or positive) responses to your scars?
Mainly positive responses, thankfully. I often get people telling me how much they like the scarification and want to ask me about how it was done. Also why.. Depending on my mood and the person asking I try and give an honest account of what made me get a huge cross cut into my chest. People can be quite rude and will say they think its ugly and ask why would I do that to myself. People just sometimes stare at my chest which I hate. Just talk to me!

Has your scarring affected your self-esteem in any way?
I've had a massive love/hate relationship with my scars over the years. As I've gotten older I have felt much more at ease in my body, with my scars and how they are part of me and a part that I love. When I was a teenager my self harm scars made me feel sick and dirty and a part of me I wanted gone. Getting my cross done was a massive deal and has helped me in many ways, it was done to take the power back from self harming and say this is me. I am happy as me!