I am a survivor of domestic violence and kidnapping. There were moments I truly believed my children and I were going to die.
We were trapped in fear. I tried to get help, but when I did, my children would scream and he would hit me, hurt me, and yell. The violence would escalate every time I tried to protect us.
He mentioned having a gun. I never saw it, but the threat was enough. The fear was constant. He even told us we were “going to heaven.” Hearing that while holding my children in my arms is something I will never forget.
I remember praying silently, wondering if those were our last moments together. I was terrified every day — terrified to speak, to move, to make the wrong choice.
But we survived.
I share my story for every woman and child living in fear. You are not alone. Survival is possible. I am living proof.