by Survivors
5 Voices of Survivors
1.
I am a survivor of domestic violence. I truly believe I am still alive today because I found the courage to speak out—to say “enough.”
Survivors like us can make a difference by sharing our stories. We are stronger than we think, and when we use our voices, we help others find theirs too.
2.
I tried to seek help, but I was not protected. Court orders meant to keep me safe were not enforced, and when I reported stalking, harassment, and threats, I was dismissed.
There were times I wasn’t even allowed to file a report. One officer turned off his body camera and never documented what happened. I was treated with hostility instead of care.
Despite having evidence, no one investigated. I later learned I was not the only one ignored.
Because of this, I no longer trust the system that was supposed to protect me—and I know many other survivors feel the same.
3.
I called for help because I believed someone was going to kill me.
Instead of being protected, everything turned against me. I ended up in a hospital, where I felt judged and misunderstood. Records were created that made me seem unstable, and those records were used against me.
My children were taken from me.
I asked for protection and safety—but instead, I lost everything.
I am still trying to understand how asking for help led me here.
Please… I still need help.
4.
I survived 18 years of abuse—abuse that was made even more complicated because it involved law enforcement.
When I tried to seek help, I faced indifference, barriers between jurisdictions, and a system that retraumatized me instead of protecting me.
Because of what happened, my children were taken for 120 days and placed with family. Even with multiple reports and evidence, accountability has been slow and incomplete.
During one of the most critical moments—seeking protection—I stood alone. The very people meant to support me did not stand beside me.
Now, I am in the process of reunifying with my children and rebuilding a safe home.
Despite everything, I have never spoken negatively about their father to them. That is not who I am.
This is the first time I’ve had the chance to share my story—not just as a professional, but as a survivor. And I’m ready to speak out.
5.
In 2015, I found myself in what I thought was a perfect relationship. It moved fast—too fast. Within a month, he had moved into my home with my children.
At first, it felt like love. Then everything changed.
There were drugs, threats, control, and eventually violence. The abuse escalated quickly, and I found myself trapped—physically, financially, and emotionally.
He took my income, isolated me, and threatened to have my children taken away. I was terrified. I didn’t believe I could leave safely.
Eventually, I reached out to someone I trusted. With their help, I was able to remove him from my home. Even then, I feared for my life and my children’s safety.
But I got out.
Over time, I rebuilt my life. I found love again, got married, and started over in a new place. Today, I am safe. I am happy. I am strong.
Now, in 2026, I work in community services, volunteer in victim support, and advocate for others.
There is hope. There is a way out.
You are not alone.
I am a survivor—and I am living proof that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
A Call to Action: Support Makes Healing Possible
Awareness alone does not heal a survivor.
Support does.
If we are serious about women’s health, then we must also be serious about funding the systems that help survivors recover fully—physically, emotionally, and safely.
💜 If this work matters to you, consider supporting survivors today.
Your donation helps provide advocacy, resources, and lifesaving support.
🔗 https://breakthesilencedv.org/
📞 BTSADV Support Line: 1-855-BTS-1777
🕘 Available 9 AM–9 PM CST, 7 days a week
