This is my story of surviving domestic violence, of overcoming fear, and finding the courage to break free.

Imagine a life filled with fear, where your every step is haunted by the shadows of an abusive relationship. A life where you’re constantly looking over your shoulder, afraid of the one person who was supposed to protect you. I lived that life, but I stand here today as a survivor.

Even after I had obtained an order of protection, the nightmare didn’t end. He kidnapped me, and my life hung in the balance. In that moment, I realized the incredible power of the human will to survive. I fought with every ounce of strength within me, determined not to become another statistic. Thankfully the front desk clerk at the hotel saw me crawling on my hands and knees fighting to escape before my abuser drug me back in and he called 911. He managed to escape out of the hotel window and was arrested a week later. When the officers searched the hotel room they found rope, zip ties, blow torch, drop clothes, gloves, and some other things. He was planning on torturing me and killing me. He has also been charged with murder. He killed a man exactly one week before he attacked me.

The scars from that experience are both physical and emotional, but they are a reminder of the indomitable spirit that resides within us all. My journey to healing has not been easy, but I’m finally starting to find peace.

We must remember that domestic violence affects far too many lives. It’s a pervasive issue that thrives in silence, behind closed doors. It’s my hope that by sharing my story, I can inspire others to seek help, to speak out, and to break free from the cycle of abuse. Together, we can raise awareness, support survivors, and work towards a world where no one has to endure the horrors of domestic violence.