Magazine Article - A Time to Move On: An Escape from Domestic Violence

A Time to Move On: An Escape from Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a prevalent problem that women in the United States experience everyday. One out of every 8 females experience domestic violence, whether they are in a relationship or marriage.
When opted a way out of the situation, most women decide to stay out of fear or because they are in denial and they think it will not happen again. Furthermore, a big part of being discreet about this matter is the fact that the victim is emotionally attached, and even though they have been wronged, the victim does not want to take legal action against their partner.
Carmen Johnson, 22, has decided to share her story about her fight with domestic violence.

AD: How are you doing today? Thank you for speaking with me today.
CJ: I’m doing well.
AD: How long were you in a

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relationship with your ex-boyfriend?
CJ: We were together for about 4.5 years.
AD: When was your first bout with domestic violence and what triggered it?
CJ: it was about 2 years into the relationship and things were starting to get kind of rocky. I had been questioning his loyalty to me and our relationship, he stopped seeing me as much, and sometimes when I would call him, he would not answer the phone. When I would ask him why he didn’t answer the phone it was always a different excuse. One day while he was in the bathroom, I couldn’t help but overhear him on the phone with another woman. I asked him who it was and he became defensive. Then he hit me, and that was the beginning of a brutal awakening.
AD: Was that the last time he hit you?
CJ: Not even. It continued ever since the first time. Many times I ended up in the hospital due to the bruises.
AD: So why didn’t you leave?
CJ: He told me that if I ever tried to leave he would kill me. For a long time I believed it.
AD: When did you decide that you couldn’t take anymore?
CJ: It was about 2 years later. I knew that I had to do something or I wouldn’t be around much longer. So I got up the courage to leave. It was the best decision I ever made and I have no intentions on looking back.

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AD: So what have you been up to since you left your boyfriend 3 years ago?
CJ: I have finished school and I am engaged. My wedding is set for May 10, 2010.
AD: I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors. Before we leave, what would you say to women who do not have enough courage to get out of their situation?
CJ: I would say that one day you are going to wake up and feel that you have had enough. When that happens you have 2 choices, stay and deal, not knowing the fate of your future, or leave and take back your life. Don’t become a statistic.