Welcome to Victims of Rape and Domestic Violence Group! No one needs to be ashamed of abuse. As a survivor of rape and domestic violence, I fully understand the mental and physical toll these types of abuse have on women. We need to know that we are not alone and that there are resources out... MORE

Welcome to Victims of Rape and Domestic Violence Group! No one needs to be ashamed of abuse. As a survivor of rape and domestic violence, I fully understand the mental and physical toll these types of abuse have on women. We need to know that we are not alone and that there are resources out there to help us. I'd like to take this opportunity to share a little bit of my story.
At age five, I was molested by a babysitter's son. My parents divorced when I was in third grade and my mother, who was awarded full custody, gave me up despite knowing about my father's history of molesting young girls in the neighborhood. . While living with my father, I was raped repeatedly beginning at age 13. The shame I felt was almost unbearable and drove me to various suicidal attempts. I hated myself and wanted to die.
At age 20, I got involved in an abusive relationship. I believed him when he said he loved me. Instead he beat me, drugged me, took off with my car and wrecked it, cheated on me, and raped me after he put drugs in my food. After four years, I had had enough. One day, he called me some bad names, beat me, ripped off my clothing and tried to throw me outside naked. He pinned me down, made our dog lick my breasts while I cried helplessly. He then stuffed a pair of dirty underwear in my mouth and tried to suffocate me. I held onto consciousness . I spent two years running from this abuser. I blamed myself for getting involved with him, but should I be blamed for someone else's actions?
Today, I have a loving husband and a beautiful daughter. Yes, I still have moments of depression, but I am working through it.It is important to know that you are not alone and that attempting to go it alone is not necessary. Here, we have a place for us to safely discuss our feelings and experiences. It is reassuring to know that there are others out there just like me who struggle everyday to overcome tragedy. Together, we can thrive.