I survived domestic abuse and then left my home state of Illinois to get away from my abuser. He had been driving around trying to find me, threatening to come find me, and then ultimately was charged & convicted with violating my order of protection for it. So I left Illinois for my safety. ThenContinue reading “Privacy & Safety as a survivor of DV”
Tag Archives: abuse
Looking at my abuser + PTSD
I saw my abuser in person in court. Obviously. And I’m reflecting on that. That man, that human being, wants nothing to do with me now, except maybe to harm me and get me off his back as I’ve shouted his ugly truth to the world. And for a time in our lives, that humanContinue reading “Looking at my abuser + PTSD”
The Case’s Grand Finale + Reflection
Yesterday, my abuser and the man who killed both of my dogs, Mathew Berry, pleaded guilty to the animal cruelty crime he committed against Kirby on June 23, 2020. I delivered an impact statement, and I’m sure I’ll share that in written form here soon but for now, know that it served its purpose andContinue reading “The Case’s Grand Finale + Reflection”
It was 4 years ago that I found out for certain what he did to Daisy.
And tomorrow, I get to look him in the eye and tell him I know.
It’s 3am and I’m reflecting on my story (my abuser is pleading guilty to animal cruelty this week)
It’s 3am and I can’t sleep, but that’s typical these days. And when it’s 3am and I can’t sleep, my mind wanders. And it usually wanders to my story. To Court. To what lies ahead this week. And today, now, this 3am brings me back to my story. Particularly Daisy. And I’m beginning to cry,Continue reading “It’s 3am and I’m reflecting on my story (my abuser is pleading guilty to animal cruelty this week)”
Okay, so maybe not.
My last post about giving up this world of sharing my story and everything….mmmmm maybe not. Because immediately after I shared that post, I received (yet another) message from a woman who had been involved with my abuser. And it reminds me of why I share and do this. Also, trial is in 2 monthsContinue reading “Okay, so maybe not.”
The worst trauma is fear
I woke up this morning feeling very reflective. It started right when I woke up. Most people wake up in the morning and check their phones or get up and brush their teeth or whatever to start their day. Maybe before any of that they just lay there and stretch that big comfy stretch whenContinue reading “The worst trauma is fear”
3 years ago today, my abuser killed Daisy.
*our abuser And I’m doing ok today, surprisingly and gratefully. A blessing.
Sometimes I think about the horror
TW: animal abuse Sometimes I think about the horror of what he did. Listen, I’ve gone through a LOT of therapy. I’m in a good place. And, the fact stands that I experienced true horror and that is part of my story. Of our story. So sometimes I think about the horror. The cruelty. SometimesContinue reading “Sometimes I think about the horror”
Anger + Moving on (Daisy’s birthday)
Yesterday was Daisy’s birthday. I woke up and immediately felt angry. Anger at the fact that she’s gone, that she got one birthday, that she was only a baby when he killed her. Anger that the system failed her and no criminal charges were or ever will be brought against her. Angry at the factContinue reading “Anger + Moving on (Daisy’s birthday)”
Sarah's Story 