Health and Fitness : Domestic Abuse Survivor Gives Hope to Those Struggling

Last month marked 5 years since I left an abusive relationship.

It was one of the hardest but worthwhile things a person can do.

On average it takes a person 7 times to leave an abusive relationship; and when I finally left for good, it was my 6th and final attempt.

I was blessed to have such a village around me to help and that's not something that everyone in situations like mine have. I really wouldn't have been able to stay away without my family, the amazing officer that handled my case/call for service that night, and an amazing advocate that set everything up and guided me to resources.

My ex was a cheater. He racked up debt after debt. Was abusive on many occasions, stuff as minor (comparatively) as verbal abuse increasing in severity up to the point of stabbing me in the chest.

Stabbing me wasn't the last time I even had to deal with him, I had to do witness/victim impact statements, divorce and custody hearings and a violation of a no contact order hearing before I could be completely free from him.

I have been lucky to not have to deal with him for the last 4 years (when his parental rights were terminated).

In the last 4 years my life has been exponentially better, I was able to get rid of the debt he built up while we were together, sought therapy to heal in order to avoid getting in another situation like that, I'm in a happy/healthy relationship.

So in honor of Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, if you are in a spot where you know you need out, take this as your sign that it's worth it. There is nothing more freeing than being able to be yourself and not have to live in fear on a daily basis.

https://www.thehotline.org/what-is-a-safety-plan/
https://www.thehotline.org/identify-abuse/power-and-control/
https://www.thehotline.org/.../domestic-abuse-warning-signs/
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