SAFE - I Ran Away

This month is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and it would not be appropriate if I did not share my story with you. 

YES!  I am a survivor of Intimate Partner Violence also known as Domestic Violence.  Just as so many others, it took a lot of effort getting out.  It isn’t as easy as people think.

Last July leaving my mother's house finally smiling 

Last April, I ran away from my husband after coming home from a 13 hour shift and being beaten after my shower.  Before the incident, I attempted to go downstairs to enjoy the rest of the evening with him and his mother (who was living with us at the time) as we prepared to watch the boxing matches and eat.  During one of the matches, he blew up.

Long story short, I ran away to the nearest hospital (very close to my home) and called my mother on the way letting her know what happened and what I was about to do.

As I approached the nurse at the desk, I explained to her that my face looked the way it did due to being beaten by my husband.  She immediately took me into the back where it was safe and asked if he knew where I was as she was collecting my vital signs.  I told her no and asked if there was a Forensic Nurse available.  The nice nurse said she would definitely get the Forensic Nurse for me, but it may take her a little while getting to me because she was currently with another patient. I told her it didn’t matter how long it took because I refused to leave until I saw her. 

While waiting, I called my eldest nephew and the employer I was working for at the time.  My nephew is always so comforting.  We rely on each other heavily for emotional support. The scheduler that answered the phone so I could tell her I was not coming into shift went straight into sister mode as I told her what happened.  It just so happened that she too was a survivor of domestic violence.

Shortening the story a bit more, the Forensic Nurse met with me and took photos of me everywhere I showed her where I was assaulted.  She asked if I wanted the police called and I told her yes and anyone else she felt I needed to speak to. 

Both the Forensic Nurse and the Police Officer, separately, gave me a test with some questions.  Based on the answers I gave them, I scored very high meaning it would be extremely dangerous if I went back to my husband.  I immediately told them there was no danger in me ever going back.  I worked too hard to get out and no plans of ever going back.

Working hard is the main part I want to deal with.  It isn’t easy, but very possible.

I was one of the fortunate ones.  I planned my escape and pre-structured how I needed my life to be for me once I got out so I could be successful. 

Today, I am a Restoration Strategist assisting others and their supporters increase their personal development skills so the survivors can heal and live a successful life with great support.  I include their supporters in the healing process with increasing their personal development skills also.  It takes a lot more than people realize being supportive of victims and survivors.  And if the survivors have children, its more difficult than that. 

 

Increasing my personal development skills is what enabled me to execute the plan of escaping my abusive marriage.  As I continue blogging, I am in the process of working on teachable moments for you to participate in to support you increasing your skills for personal development.  Having this area fortified increases the likelihood of success for both the victim and their supporters.  For more details on my story, click the link below to follow my new podcast.  As time goes on, I will unfold more of my escape to freedom.

As we close out this month, I hope by sharing my story has caused you to think about those you know and love.  My mother used to always say to my sisters and I as we were growing up, “There’s a story behind every closed door.  You never know the truth until you’re behind those doors.”  So true Mama.  So true. 

Until next time……

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELVES…MENTALLY

Much love,

Granny 🍷🌺😘

Be sure to listen to new podcast at bit.ly/proactiveeye

 

National Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 799-7233

National Sexual Assault Hotline (800) 656-4673

National Child Abuse Hotline (800) 4-A-CHILD; (1-800-422-4453)