Survivor Story: She Survived an Assault That Required Reconstructive Surgery
Submitted by: *Patricia, Survivor Children who grow up in homes with domestic violence are at increased risk of abuse and neglect. Additionally, the on-going trauma in the home extensively affects the children’s mental and physical health. Victims often report that leaving an abuser or seeking out safer living arrangements is heavily influenced by a need […]
Survivor Story: I Was Forced to Give Up My Pets When I Left
Written by: Kenna, Survivor Many survivors face the heartbreaking decision of leaving an abuser or staying because they fear for their pets’ safety. Increasing numbers of shelters and cooperating agencies are expanding services for victims in crisis that include sheltering pets. Unfortunately, these programs are still not available in many areas, and pets are often […]
Survivor Story: She Survived an Attack That Left Her Fearing for Her Life
Submitted by: Nicole, Survivor Gaslighting is a tactic that abusers use to manipulate their victims and cause them to doubt their perception of reality. This enables the abuser to gain and keep control over their victim, who will no longer be able to trust their objectivity but will also, despite all evidence to the contrary, […]
Survivor Story: She Left Everything Behind to Start Over
Submitted by: *Patty, Survivor Some areas of the world are so remote that they can only be reached by plane. Residents in these villages are often self-reliant, resilient, and close with others in their community. In some ways, their survival may depend upon it. While some may find this lifestyle peaceful, there is a dark […]
Survivor Story: She Hoped the Abuse Would End Once She Had His Child
Submitted by: Jamie, Survivor For many victims of intimate partner violence, abuse can begin or escalate once they learn they are pregnant with their abuser’s child. This puts both the mother and unborn child at risk for serious injury. Others may see the onset of abuse once the child is born, with the abuser blaming […]
Survivor Story: After Leaving an Abusive Marriage, This Survivor Has Rebuilt Her Life
Submitted by: Christina, Survivor Those who have not been abused often ask survivors of domestic violence why they stay so long. While each survivor may have different reasons, they are all valid. Survivor Christina shares how the abuse began – and escalated – after marrying her high school sweetheart, her reasons for staying, how she […]
