It’s been over 7 years and I feel compelled to share the details of my story in hope to educate and start the conversation on putting an end to the violence. I never witnessed or was exposed to domestic abuse before. Anyone would tell you that I’m the last person you would think it could happen to. But that’s the thing, it can happen to anyone! It doesn’t matter what your race, social status, financial status is. It can happen to anyone. It starts slowly, mentally. It’s all about manipulation and breaking you down mentally. So here is what happened to me... 

It started verbally. He would call me a bitch for the most ridiculous things. Make me feel like shit for things that I didn’t do. It all started with manipulation. Accusing me of things. Making me feel like I had to always prove myself. Which was completely not me because I always spoke my mind. The first time he choked me and threw me to the ground. I thought it was my fault because we were drinking and I was being “crazy”.  All downhill from there. Without going into every single scenario. He choked me. Slammed my head in the floor. Threw me into a table head first. I’ve had 2 broken noses. Busted lips. Black eyes. Bruises all over my arms. One time he slammed my head into a table in front of his family!! Countless concussions. One time he punched me in the head so hard i lost hearing in one ear for a while. I’ve had a severely bruised wrist. I almost lost my kids. And then there was the sexual abuse. I never had a say. He raped me multiple times. And people will say... how can you be “raped” in a relationship with someone? Well the answer is very easily. He forced me to do things I never wanted to do. I feared for my life more times than I can count. Finally he broke my ribs and shoved his hand down my throat so bad he ripped my whole throat and tonsils apart. That time I was hospitalized. But i was still ashamed to say anything. It was two weeks later when i was literally gonna die that I finally woke up and walked away. Ended up in the hospital over night. Then I left for Florida to stay with my mom and start the healing process. I’m 7 years free now!!

The mental part took years to heal from. But I came out of that situation stronger and braver. I still have times where I struggle. I share my story in hopes that if I can help just ONE person it will be worth it. We need to have an open conversation about domestic violence and we need to educate people. Let’s put an end to domestic violence! ?