My Story – Elizabeth S

I’m breaking my silence. 20 years I was in a DV marriage. I met him in nursing school right after graduating high school and the love affair began. I was instantly swept off my feet and taken by his charm, attention, charismatic ways and words. It in the beginning it felt like it was true love and friendship. I finished nursing school and became a nurse and he was a police officer. It was great until it wasn’t.

I remember the first time he spit on me holding our week old daughter in my arms in the kitchen after an argument and daring me to call the police because he was the police and they would not believe me. It escalated from there to not just verbal and emotional abuse but to taking my children and leaving and not knowing if or when he was coming back. He also got physical several times and punched a hole through the bedroom door. All along I just wanted to help him but I couldn’t and it never changed it was always the same roller coaster ride until the day I caught him cheating. We seperated and 3 weeks later the broke our seperation agreement and kept my child from me. I had to get a court order and be without my child from Halloween until Feb 12th when I got the court order for custody of my child. That was the hardest time in my life. 22 months later, I have a very fulfilled life with awesome friends, I have thrived and I enjoy being a nurse and my time with my son. We are very close. I’m no where near ready to date but I’m living a very peaceful, happy and fulfilled life and it is beautiful once you are free. We remain no contact. Now I know life is on my terms and nothing less than what I want in life and what I deserve. Know you are strong and that is not the life you are supposed to live. There is so much beauty in the freedom of being out of that life.

Website Director

More Survivor Stories

DV

I Never Thought I Would Be Free From DV

**The following is written by a survivor of domestic violence (DV) and abuse. Names have been changed to protect all involved.** By Survivor Chloe I was 15 when I got into my DV relationship. Just 15 years old. Love Bombing I always thought “It wont happen to me” until it...

terrified

Terrified and Trembling, I Fought Against My Abuser

By Survivor Taylor **The following is written by a survivor of domestic violence and abuse who’s tale of her terrified escape may be too graphic for some. Names have been changed to protect all involved.** Strangled…. I laid there, not knowing what to do. If I should move. “Will he...

manipulate

Learning to Not Let Anyone Manipulate or Hurt Me Again

By Survivor Ayanna **The following is written by a survivor of domestic violence and abuse, who’s abuser would manipulate and threaten them. Names have been changed to protect all involved.** I met her in my senior year of high school. She was charming, made me feel beautiful, and acted like...