I am a survivour of domestic violence. I was married to a man for ten
years, who physically and mentally abused me and my children. Mostly
me because I always protected my children. Before I left and went to
a shelter, the first, I had really planned on how I could kill this
man. I knew then it was time to leave, but like most abused women
they always think the men they love will change, they don't! The only
way I could get through the day was to drink a drink before he came
home. Then the cycle of alcohol started. I drank to kill the pain to
face the man and to get through his many affairs. I then jumped right
into another abusive relationship because I felt this was all I was
worth. I lost custody of my children the summer of 1991, because of
the man I was living abuse and my own of alcohol. I was then suicidal
but I had a very good friend who helped me get a hold of my life. I
got therapy and started the process of getting my children back. I
met a very very special man, that loves me no matter what the passed
held. He helped me to get the custody of my oldest son and see my
children again.. I am a Christian , a very excited on to know that I
had no controll over this situation I was in, but if I hadn't been
there I would have never met my wonderful husband. I relize that
women and some men are so lost out there and when I came upon this web
site I knew that I wanted to join this. I never have really shared my
story or testimony to anyone except my closest friends,but I know just
what its like to feel worthless, ugly, beaten and totally overcome by
depression.. Whether the victim is a believer or not, God wants them
to be happy and to feel like they are worth something not the scum of
the earth. I want to help victims of this violent crime. I have had
friends that were in the same situation as I and I have felt every
tear they shed. We are here on this earth because of divine
appointment. If our father didn't want us here to share our stories
then we wouldn't be. I am really glad I found this website.

Raye Linda Stewart