After writing and rewriting my impact statement for sentencing, this is my finished product. I felt it needed to be more personal and what he did to me needs to be known. "Your Honor, My name is Marianne Harris. I am 40 years old. I met Dennis in early September of 2006. I was 28 years old. My ex-husband was arrested just…
It's only three words, yet it can be the difference between a more or less traumatic recovery: "I believe you." What you don't understand is the inner turmoil we have already endured to even say what happened to us out loud. For days, months, even years, we wrestled internally about whether what happened to us was actually abuse or assault. Perpetrators use…
I have recently thought about how different my outcome may have been had my family turned away from me. I remember feeling so isolated and alienated during my marriage. Not only did I live 2.5 hours away from my family during my darkest moments, I often felt emotionally distant as well. I felt like a burden. I would bring them into my…
Dear Travis, I used to cry in pain and agony, praying one day you would apologize for what you put me through. I used to think if you apologized, it would somehow relieve me of the baggage I obtained during our relationship. However, as I have grown and healed, I have not only realized that I do not need an apology from…
A lot of things were going through my mind. Would he show up? Would he deny everything? Would he attempt to discredit me? What will the judge decide? My boyfriend picked me up from work and went with me to the hearing. I clenched his hand in the car and tried to keep my mind off of what was about to happen.…
The last time I spoke with Travis, I told him that if he reached out to me again, I would contact the police. The day after reading his message, I went to the sheriff’s department and spoke with an officer. He suggested I file a domestic restraining order. He also let me know that in the meantime, they had on record that…
It was a typical evening at home. I was checking my personal and business email while watching TV when there it was - in black in white - taking up space in MY email. It was a message from Travis and it was sent to my "Contact Us" form via survivorhood.org. Though I have him blocked on all social media, my phone,…
I used to walk the streets at ease,Going where I wanted as I pleased.My plans were endless, without distress,I walked around just like the rest.I went to the movies with my friends,Never expecting my peace to end.You stole my security and my innocence,All because of your impotence.Never again will I be the same,Yet, for so many reasons, I am blamed.What did I…
If you go back and read my previous posts you will notice I have never provided my ex-husband's name. At first, I chose to do this for a number of reasons. I was just starting my blog and putting my story out there. I felt and still feel at times, exposed and uncomfortable. Telling your story isn't an easy thing to do,…
The empathy I have for others is a blessing and a curse, or so I used to think. My empathy has always been what I have considered to be one of my greatest qualities. It allows me to connect with someone in a genuine and authentic way. At times I can literally feel their pain, their rage, their hopelessness. It enables me…
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