Why do domestic abuse victims stay with their partners? Why don't they just leave? What a different world it would be if the solution were that simple. It can take weeks, months, or years to finally gain the strength to escape. The fear, endless battles with your mental health, and low self-esteem create a toxic whirlwind of emotions that's been gradually chipped away, destroying any realization that it’s not your fault. Sound familiar?

Whether you are a survivor of an abusive relationship or currently in a situation where you need help, we sing from the same hymn sheet, and we are connected by an invisible bubble of experience and understanding.

This is my story, and by publishing and sharing my own personal experience, I hope I can reach out to those who have suffered or need help in understanding the emotional roller coaster and damage that can be inflicted on someone. Whether it’s physical or mental torment, it’s not acceptable.

For 15 years, I was trapped in a toxic relationship, and I was a shell of the person I am today. It takes time and courage to take the leap into freedom; it’s anything but simple, and I hope by detailing the process and timeline behind my struggle, I will enable anyone who listens to my audiobook to have a better understanding of the dilemmas and hurdles that are commonly in the way of domestic abuse victims.