Last month, we introduced Stephanie*, and each month, we will give updates about her time working toward freedom from all forms of victimization with Stepping Stones advocates. Read below to learn about Stephanie’s journey so far:
“My husband has been abusing me for years. I just dealt with it because he wasn’t hurting the kids and I didn’t want the family to fall apart. I guess it already had. One afternoon, he yelled at me for hours because he’s convinced that when I spent time with my sister that afternoon, I was cheating on him. I was fed up with it and got up to leave when he punched me in the side repeatedly. Thankfully he didn’t break anything but my son watched it happen. It was the moment that I finally decided that I couldn’t live like this anymore.
My sister told me about Stepping Stones, and after the last incident, I called them. They were nice and said they could take us in. So, I packed up just a couple things and left.
The first month has been really hard. My kids told me they’re scared, not because we are in the shelter now, but because they don’t know what is happening. I’m kinda scared, too. It’s hard to think because I worry that I won’t be able to give my kids a good life alone. But I’m happy that we are safe and they won’t see him hit me again. EVER.
The advocates here have helped me to start thinking about what is most important and how to start dealing with all the feeling I have. I took an assessment that helped me see that my relationship was really, really bad. So, they helped me get an order of protection. I am really scared, but I am trying to just take it one day at a time.”
You are stronger then you realize You did the right thing for yourself and family. I put up with abuse for 22 years before I had the strength to move out with my special needs son it took a while to get on our feet again but we couldn’t be happier. And the main thing is we finally at the point to we don’t jump over every little sound in the night anymore… so hang in there you are your way to a safe and healthy life… many blessings to you….
Thank you for your encouraging words, Dee!
It’s hard to take the first step especially when you have kids. Most women like you are stay home moms and the scariest thing is what kind of job can I get and make ends meet each month. There is so much help for women in your situation so don’t be afraid to ask. When it gets tough remember you left before he killed you and your kids now have you to help and guide them down the right path. My mom went through what your going through except my dad didn’t hit anyone he just drank too much and could not hold a job. One time he took me and my sister out and he got drunk and parked on some street and passed out. My mom thought something bad happened to us and that was when she knew she had to leave. She loved our father dearly but knew the drinking wasn’t going to stop. My mom struggled gir a long time and finally got a really good social worker and this woman was an angel sent to us and my mom. Just know you can ask people for help and get into a support group. You will want to date again but the fear and anger your holding inside will keep you from meeting and wanting to trust again. I wish you the best of luck and know as long as you have the drive you can do anything you set your mind to. It will be hard so dont give up. Your kids are depending on you now. Remember to keep smiling too,
Thank you for sharing your story, Bonnie.