I am so sorry about what happened to you. As a person who was the subject of child abuse (many, many years ago), I have a different view than Lindagaf. No, you do not want to come across as a victim/just a survivor, or as wanting sympathy. But, being forced to move out of your house as a teenager due to home violence, and rising above that, shows a strength, resilience, and maturity that can’t be compared to the strength of loving painting and yoga. I am not an experienced essay reviewer, however. Perhaps you can write your story more in terms of raising yourself at a young age, without mentioning any specifics (due to family dynamics/issues, you’ve been living on your own…)?
These things do change your life. I hope you have gotten help.