Source: Reddit
Today marks the 2 year anniversary of when I left my abusive spouse at the age of 21. It was the most difficult day of my life, followed by many difficult days — but it was the best decision I could have ever made.
I had caught him cheating…again and I said I wanted to leave. He became irate with me and started pushing me down, hitting me, and ripping my clothes. He dragged me by my hair to the kitchen and took a knife and held it to my neck and told me I would die if I left him. When I tried to run away he took me into the closet and raped me.
Afterwards, it was the same old song and dance, “I’m sorry, I was wrong…it went too far.” The difference this time is that I wasn’t going to accept the apology.
I went to work the next day (elementary school) and I went to the school guidance counselor and told her everything. She called the police, I filed the restraining order and he was arrested.
2 years later, I have had so many wonderful experiences and opportunities and am so much happier than I ever could have imagined. I decided to do everything I’ve every wanted.
Before I could barely leave the house, now I travel all over the world, I finished my degree, I made so many new friends, I’m close with my family again! All the things I could never do before!
I’ve been so scared to actually file the divorce because I’m afraid that will trigger him to do something horrible — I have dealt with many threats and stalking the first year of leaving. I’m still talking it one step out a time.
I was very hard to leave but it was 100% worth it. Hopefully it gives you some encouragement or makes you feel optimistic.
I’m 23 years old now and still have a wonderful journey ahead of me, my best days are still yet to come!
