In a recent documentary, mixed martial artist Kay Hansen revealed her troubled past, including alleged rape and sexual assault by her father, and how the sport became her escape and source of control.
Former UFC and current Invicta FC fighter Kay Hansen has shared her story like never before in a new documentary. The Invicta FC Diary series featured Hansen this week, where she detailed her troubled upbringing, including revealing that she was allegedly raped and sexually assaulted by her father as a teenager. This led her to find solace in the sport of mixed martial arts.
In a social media post on Tuesday, Hansen explained why she decided to share her story. “This documentary was a big step for me, not necessarily as a fighter, but as a person,” said Hansen. “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 [and] [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, Hansen had mentioned that she had been sexually assaulted and raped by a family member from the age of 16 to 19 years old but did not name her father as the alleged abuser.
Hansen had previously been hesitant to speak out about the abuse due to fear of how it might follow her in the future, but now she hopes to use her story to inspire others who have faced similar situations. “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,” expressed Hansen. She also expressed gratitude and appreciation for the documentary’s approach and the involvement of everyone who helped create it.
After a 1-3 run in the UFC, Hansen re-signed with Invicta FC in 2022. The 23-year-old fighter is currently recovering from an injury and aims to make her return to the Invicta cage later this year. Kay Hansen’s documentary can be viewed online for those interested in learning more about her journey.