But as a victim and survivor of domestic violence, this time is even more special to me.
That last piece doesnt get enough attention.
Any other time, though, it can be tough to open upand many of us just dont.
Kelly Llanos
And small wins are everything.
There are thousands of losses within the loss of yourself in anabusive relationship.
Each reclaimed loss builds strength and empowerment, says Martin.
Healing the relationship with themselves will shape all other relationships in their life.
Recovering your self-esteem and security can be an ongoing, challenging process.
I wish someone had taken me aside and told me how much better life could be.
Asrates of domestic violence have risen since COVID-193, its essential that we keep spreading the word.
Here are their stories.
My small win was when I didnt feel ashamed of my words anymore.
During my abusive relationship, the one thing that brought me any comfort was writing.
When my work started growing and being recognized more, my partner wasnt pleased.
With whats become my writing career, I reclaimed my voice.Aditi
2.
Raising a new kitten helps me find happy moments every day.
In the last few months of our relationship, my boyfriend became increasingly violent and aggressive.
He was my first kitten and wed developed a strong attachment, so this was really distressing for me.
I still worry and think about him often, hoping hes okay.
I recently adopted a skittish and shy two-month-old kitten.
Weve gradually created a bond with shared rituals and routines.
Because shes still a baby and needs a lot of care, she helps me get out of bed.
Im currently teaching her tricks.
So far, she knows how to sit and basic commands like no, get down, and stay.
Next up: leash training.Nadia
3.
I just finished my first half-marathon.
Ever since, Ivestruggled with PTSD, depression, anxiety, anddevastating grief.
I still struggle every day, but Im managing now, and I am once again finding joy.
I knew God wouldnt want me to live a life full of abuse and mistreatment.
In that moment, I thought, Wow!
Im really getting back to me.
Im healing.Chantelle
5.
I found the relationship Ive always dreamed of with someone who accepts and loves me for who I am.
Im diagnosed withbipolar disorder, which I manage extremely well.
Unfortunately, my ex used this as leverage in every argument we had.
After I left, I knew he was the toxic and abusive one.
But I couldnt help but feel as if my bipolar diagnosis made me unlovable.
Hed told me Id never be capable of being a wife or mother.
I would think, Would every relationship of mine result in this toxicity?
Would I ever be able to be the mom I wanted to be someday?
Hes never once raised his voice at me.
Hes aware of my bipolar disorder and never uses it against me.
He chuckles when I spontaneously want to paint the ceiling blueand he paints it with me.
He holds me when Im sad.
When that happens, he helps me laugh it away.Sarah
6.
Changing my name helped me start a new chapter of my life.
So, I chose a brand new one for myself.
I chose a word that means confident, strong, and brave.
Today, I keep a card given to me at that party on my desk.
Whenever I need to summon some of that positive energy, its there for me.Brittany
7.
Getting an apartment gave me joy, independence, and the freedom to start helping other survivors.
I was homeless and felt lost, sleeping on park benches in the middle of winter.
About a year later, with the help of some support programs, I finally got an apartment.
This was definitely a moment of joy for me.
I felt like I could regain my sense of self-worth and find myself again.
When I got on my feet, I started a Facebook page and have begun to build a community.
My mission is to help as many survivors as possible.Destiny
8.
I noticed the most beautiful petite lilac flowers on my path.
The cool breeze blowing through my hair was welcome.
And I felt a great sense of peace overtake my soul.
I hiked daily as a teen and young adult.
But for so long, Id lost that adventurous spirit.
I walked for a few miles and ended up at a small pond.
The dam at the end of it had white caps on the tips of rushing water.
The young woman Id lost so long ago, she was back.
Id found myself again.
As the sky started to turn for the evening, the fiery amber sunset became my backdrop.
Tears of joy rolled down my face.
I hadnt noticed the changing sky in years.
I knew at this moment I was going to be alright.
Since my divorce, Im no longer the shell of a person I once was.
Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224, text START to 88788, or chat livehere.
Quotes have been edited and condensed for clarity.
