|
When did my abuse begin? I was 19 when I married. At first I didn't recognize the abuse. I thought that maybe I wasn't being a good wife and that I needed to be better. The first sign of my abuse was the put downs. I never could do anything right. My priorities were always wrong. After going to a counselor I realized that it wasn't me at all. That I was OK and I was doing things right, but I still didn't realize that I was being abused. I learned to stand up for myself and when that happened the physical abuse started and the head games became unbearable. I couldn't keep a job because he would harass me on the job, he made sure that I gave him all my money and that I had none left. He also kept tract of who I talked to and who I saw. He forbade me to talk to any of my family or friends. He also threathened killing me and committing suicide. Cruelty to animals was his passion, our family dogs hated him.
When did My Abuse End?
My abuse ended on November 10,1999. That was also nearly the end of my life. You see, on that night, my husband was stalking me. We were separated with a restraining order and he wasn't suppose to be anywhere near me. He was in a rental car so that I wouldn't recognize his vehicle. While I was walking into a grocery store he sped up behind me,with his lights off, and hit me driving between 40-50 mph. To make sure that I would die he got out of the car and stabbed me 4 times. Twice in my heart and twice in my lung. I have undergone open heart surgery and four surgeries on my legs. My right leg is badly injured from this incident and I will never again regain full use of it.
 My husband was convicted to 29-37 years in prison without parole. I am happier now than I have been in a long, long time.
My husband was a Baptist minister. I was afraid that no one would believe me that things were happening at home. To the public he was the most charming, wonderful, human being. Everyone loved him. Only the children and I knew what was happening behind closed doors.
|
