Recovering from Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
I never imagined a future where I could lead a happy and productive life. Now it’s here.
The pattern of physical, mental, and sexual violence I had endured for over ten years had taken its toll on me. I didn’t believe I was capable or strong enough to walk out the door, let alone win full custody. My abuser controlled all of our finances which made it impossible to hide the expenses my girls and I would need to escape safely. One day, my friend approached me and said she “feared I was being abused by my partner” I immediately broke down because, for the first time, I felt seen. After, I was suddenly greeted with a sense of relief that I had been dreaming of for years. She told me about Live Violence Free and the resources they could provide. It was at that moment that I knew I had to seek refuge; it was the only way I was going to provide safety for our two daughters and keep him from killing me.
After receiving support from Live Violence Free to obtain a restraining order and win a year-long court battle, I gained full custody of our children. With continued housing assistance and counseling services, I felt strong enough to re-enter the workforce and re-establish my financial stability. Most importantly, I was able to show my daughters that they deserve to be treated with kindness and respect. They’ve gone on to build healthy families of their own, and I am relishing my new role as a grandmother. That one conversation with a trusted friend changed my life for the better.
