I come from a family where violence was almost always the way disagreements were settled. My step father was full of rage and the alcohol just added fuel to the fire. Watching him hurt my mom over and over was terrifying. But watching her as she grew the strength to leave him for good, that was inspiring. Because of this childhood, I knew that leaving was an option. The first time a significant other put his hand on me, I was 17 years old. I had convinced myself that he would change, he was sorry etc. Unfortunately, it only got worse. After two years of abuse, I finally left him and never looked back. That was the first of many violent partners. But that was also the last time I let someone hurt me more than once. The most recent time almost cost me my life. And since healing from the physical and mental wounds of that occurrence, I have made it my goal to always be a safe spot for anyone going through something similar. I will always advocate for victims of dv because their lives depend on it.