Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Q: How long were you in an abusive relationship?

A: Almost 19 years

Q: What helped you leave?

A: Counseling, Reading, Prayer, and Watching Videos on the subject

Q: Was leaving hard?

A: Yes, leaving was hard. Staying was hard too. A quote I heard that inspired me was "It will hurt, either way, so choose your pain." I chose to face the pain of leaving instead of continuing to endure the pain of staying.

Q: Were you afraid to leave?

A: Yes, I was afraid to leave but I was also afraid to stay. The day I finally left was when my children watched as the abuser strangled me. 

Q: What was the hardest thing about leaving?

A: Losing connections to friends and family who did not support my decision. 

Q: Are you trying to force people to leave their relationships?

A: Although I am sharing my story, you will ultimately be in charge of making this decision.  

Q: What advice would you give to someone who is trying to leave?

A: Educate yourself, make a plan to leave safely, and build a support network of others who can help you to leave.

Q: Did you ever miss the abuser?

A: Like any other loss, I felt the pain of losing the connection to someone I had known for years. I went through the stages of the grieving process and even experienced sadness at times.