My name is Donna and I am a survivor of domestic violence. I have been in a few abusive relationships.

I'm sharing my story hoping it may help another person.This is the condensed version.

I met Sean when I was 15 years old. I thought he was my knight in shining armor. He turned into be a monster from hell.Sean was extremly violent. He was verbally and emotionally abusive. He raped me twice.

The very first time he got violent, we were at his sisters house, watching television. He was really into some program. I tried to get his attention by tapping him on the shoulder. Next thing I know, he turned around, grabbed me by the throat, threw me down on the bed, and choked me. He was so stunned at what he did, he broke down crying, apologizing, begging for my forgivenees. Needless to say,I forgave him. I really thought he wouldn't do it anymore. I was wrong.

This was the first of many violent episodes. I stayed with him for 8 years. We were not married. We had no kids together. Sean raped me twice. When I was 19, I became pregnant by Sean. He went crazy. He did not want to have this baby. I did. He was hitting me in my stomach, threatening me constantly. He forced me into an abortion. I lost this baby when I was 8 weeks pregnant.

I suffered many injures from Sean. I made numerous trips to th ER. I had bruises, a couple black eyes, A punctured ear drum, and a small skull fracture. I was to scared to press charges. I know that if I would have pressed charges, I wouldn't be here right now. I slowly broke away from him.I received lots of thearapy as well as going to groups for battered women. I finally moved away. He found another woman. I broke free.

The other abusive relationship I was in was with a man named Stephen. We lived together. I was with him for 1 year. He was verbally and emotionally abusive. Stephen was so jealous and controlling. He didn't want me with my friends. He was like Dr.Jekyll and Mr.Hyde. He had severe mood swings. It turned out he had a mental illness. He is bi polar and something else. He was threatening me that if I left him, he would kill himself. I finally left him, moved away. He was admitted into a psychiatric hospital.

I have been free from abuse for 2 years now. My life is so much better now. Peaceful. I am engaged to a wonderful man who is very supportive. We have a 5 month old baby together. also have a 9 year old boy.

I am a survivor.