A Message from Him: Confronting the Ghosts of My Past

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,…

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The Weight of Unseen Tears

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…

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A Survivor Story: Amy R.

Amy is a mother of 4, the daughter of a pastor, college-educated, and is pursuing an advanced degree. She is sharing her story to let others know they are not alone and that they are not wrong. “The first thing I would say and that I want to be really clear on is that I am a very pro-sex person. I am…

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A Survivor Story: Kaydie

Kaydie is the fur momma to Stella, Milo, and Bella. She is sharing her story so others don’t feel so alone and to educate people on the importance of counseling. My Adoptive Dad “The first time I experienced what abuse looked like was the day that my adoptive dad lost his mind. He put his hands on my mom. I was only…

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My Abuser’s Name is Travis G. Chartrand

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,…

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A Survivor Story: Marianne Harris

Marianne Harris is a mother to 5 children, her sons Josh and Jacob, Johnny and Hurricane (Hurc) whom she had with her abuser, Dennis, and her daughter Jana. Her main goal in sharing her story is to let others know they are not alone. Dennis had a habit of becoming violent with Marianne while she was pregnant – when she had a…

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When Memory Fails: The Silent Impact of Date Rape Drugs

It was a moment that forever changed my life. I woke up in a bed and for some reason, I immediately began checking myself over, making sure my clothes hadn’t been disturbed and I still had my underwear on. To my relief, everything was intact. I noticed a lump next to me and knew there was a person under it. I frantically…

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Forgive Yourself for What You Had to Do to Survive

I have thought long and hard about this particular post. It requires a level of vulnerability and honesty that is downright uncomfortable. In my last post, I talked about the first layer of my shame and ended it with the ugliest layer of my shame: shame that in my marriage I became someone who was no better than he was. That sentence…

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