What Happened:

I am 18 years old I have been in a relationship for four years with a thirty year old. And it has been four years of pain, tourment, and hell. He abused me for four years straight and when I say abuse I mean it. He punches me, slaps me, kicks me, you name it he does it. I realized only but a few months ago that the reason why I let this go on for so long was because I was scared of leaving. If I can turn back the hands of time I really would for the simple fact that no woman should have to go through what I went through. There was this one incident when we were arguing and he thought I was being disrespectful so he stopped the car and as God is my witness he beat me really bad. He just kept punching me in my head and face until he finally busted my lip and then he stopped. Then he said things like that won't happen if I did not answer him back.

How I coped:

I prayed to God to change the situation that I was in and to give me the strength to leave him before he killed me or hurt me really bad.

How the situation changed:

The situation never changed until I made it change. I had to get up and say enough is enough and avoid him,his phone calls,and his begging and pleading. It was hard but I got through it.

What helped me to get stronger:

I know this may sound corny but by praying helped, because I did not want anyone in my business, it helped.

What I would say to someone who is being abused:

To anyone that is being abused .....if you can find someone you really trust and who cares for you, please let them know.