Author's Note
Living in the United States, and writing a story set in the UK, I needed to look up various statistics for this story. Unfortunately, the statistics for both countries are frighteningly similar in relation to Domestic Violence, so as I am more familiar with those of the United States, it is from that information that I am writing the chapters.
As a survivor of Domestic Violence myself, I know how easy it is for an abuser to hide their habits and temper from their victims until the first time an argument or altercation becomes violent. I went through it myself. My abuser started out as one of the kindest, most protective men I'd ever met. It wasn't until we began living together that the arguments began, and those became a daily occurrence. The arguments began to include threats in addition to the constant belittling, put downs, and limiting of my personal freedom to move around. I had been literally forbidden to leave the place where we were living unless my abuser was with me, and he had enlisted the help of neighbors in spying on me to be sure I didn't leave unless he was with me. I was forbidden to have any contact with my friends-most of who are male-or family. I had gotten to the point that just going along with what he wanted was easier than finding out if the threats would actually happen. He made sure I was isolated, and to his mind, with no way to leave him.
It all came to a head in October of 2010, when the argument turned physically violent. He decided that it was my fault he was too tired and slept through the evening news-I had allowed him to sleep because he had been at the hospital with his stepfather all night the night before-and he punished me by throwing me into the wall, where I bounced off a windowsill and landed on the couch. However, it didn't end there. He picked up a framing hammer and began beating me in the back with it, trying to kill me, as his threat promised. I managed to get away from him and called the police, who removed him from that residence for the night, and I began packing. I was on the first public transportation bus to a friend's house the next morning before he was released, and at a shelter later the same day.
The people at the shelter helped me to get into counseling, as well as helped me find a new place to live and provided an advocate for the court proceedings. I was lucky. On the wall of that shelter are over five hundred small brass plaques, all bearing the names of women who weren't able to leave, and ended up killed by their abusers.
If you are in a similar situation, and don't feel safe in a relationship, develop a plan to leave. Have code phrases with friends who will know to call for help if you say that phrase. Keep your important documentation with you if possible, so you can leave at the first opportunity.
It is my hope that this story will raise awareness for this issue, because I see cases of domestic violence swept under the rug in the courts too often for comfort.
Whatever your plan if in that situation, please make sure that at all times you, and if you have children, your children stay safe at all times.