Jodi’s Story

In 2003 I met a man that I thought was the man of my dreams. He was handsome and charming and he was interested in me. Everything started out great. He bought me gifts like jewelry and clothing. He was always wanting to be with me. I felt loved and needed and wanted for the first time in my life.

About 6 months into our relationship I noticed that he had started to change. Money started to become missing from my bank account. Some of my more expensive belongings were missing too. Then I caught him doing drugs. At this point, I thought I could “fix” him. But then he started to become violent – forcing me to do drugs and other terrible things. I was in a living hell for three years. Every day I woke up wondering if this was my last.

On Christmas day 2006 I was literally at rock bottom. My sister called me and said I needed to get out of there. No one knew what was going on because I hid it all very well. I was ashamed for anyone to know. I knew I had to get out, but was afraid he’d kill me. He came out of the bathroom and passed out cold on the bed. It was now or never. I quickly got together what I could and threw it in my car. When he saw I was leaving, he tried to hurt me, but I screamed at the top of my lungs “GET OFF ME”. I’d never stood up to him before.

On Christmas Day 2006, I got my life back. It wasn’t an easy road. I went through a pretty bad depression. I slept off and on for about a month before I looked for a job. But I did it, I got back on my feet and lived! One year to the day December 25, 2007, I got engaged to my now husband. I still have bad days, I have flash backs and nightmares, but he is there for me and I love him to pieces.  My heart is now full of love and hope.

I want to help women who are there or have been where I’ve been. I want to be a light to let people know there is hope and that they can be fearless!

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