After 11 years of being a victim of domestic abuse, today I decided enough was enough. This July 4th, I took back my independence. I escaped the man who hurt me for so long. And while I am happy that I finally feel safe, I am tremendously heartbroken. People I thought I could trust abandoned me when I needed them most. Attorneys turned me away because my case was too “high risk.” I contemplated suicide because I thought it was the only way I could get out. No woman should ever have to go through the things I went through. If you feel unsafe with your spouse or significant other, tell someone. I know you’re scared. I know you’re embarrassed. I know you feel like you should have known better. I feel all of these things, too. I have for a long time. But there is nothing to be gained from suffering in silence. Contact your local crisis center or the national domestic violence hotline and tell someone what is happening to you. They can help you plan a safe escape so you can reclaim what is yours and you can have the life you deserve. Don’t accept anything less. It’s been a long, hard, heartbreaking day, and I’m sure there are many more ahead. But I’m finally healing. I’m finally free. And I’m ready for the next chapter of my life. Thank you to Tracy and Donalee at the crisis centers I spoke to. Thank you to the few people I trusted enough to help me when I needed it who actually showed up for me. To the women who abandoned me and blocked me when I needed help, I will pray for you. I hope you never have to go through what I went through.