July 22, 2009
I would imagine that everyday, your inbox is full of women like myself whom have read your book and can relate in some form or fashion to the words you have laid out and published in a society that desperately needed that.
I myself, like many whom have read your book, was a victim of domestic abuse...spanning mental, verbal, sexual, and ultimately absolute physical violence...which resulted in the miscarriage of my unborn son. I left less than 24 hours later...$300 and a rented car with a few suitcases while he was at work.
He is in the military. I want to reach to so many women...military women too...and tell them my story. The military hides it and overlooks it. None is any better than the rest and I don't believe any can be termed worse. In the end, it all breaks you down.
Much like you, I was educated. In Criminal Justice and Social Work nonetheless. I had read all the books was was supposed to read. I had written my dissertation on the effects rape has not only on its victim, but on the generations that follow...basing my thesis on the idea that the rapist does not only victimize one person; they victimize a generation.
I moved to New York City to fulfill my dreams. I had the ideal job, was going for NYPD police academy, had the best apartment in Queens (if you were to have asked me!), and I ended up a victim of domestic abuse.
Since leaving that situation three years ago, I have been working on writing my memoirs in the hopes of being published. As it is, I've wanted to be a freelance writer since I could pick up a pen and grasp the concept. I have also been working with women who have either gotten out of a domestic situation, are currently in one and need to see they have strength to leave, or women who are in danger of falling into a situation.
Your book reached me in a way I simply can not put into words, but I do know that I got it. I laid in bed for 2 days and just cried. Sounds pathetic I am sure, but my ex-husband's name could have slid easily into every place Conor's name was in Crazy Love.
-- E
Comments
After pushing me down the stairs in my house,leaving bruises on my face, and hurting my back, my mother finally came to get me and my cat, and said that I was leaving. He said that he would get help and that we could date and things would get better, they never did.
I lived 10 years of my life being afraid, abused, and controlled.
I am so glad that my mother made me leave, and yes, you can survive on your own even though you do not think that you can.
One year later and my life has changed so much and I am so glad that I left. I have my own house, abuse free, and I am dating my highschool sweatheart. He treats me like a queen.
I have also been through tons and tons of counseling, and still have to go sometimes.
I to read Leslie's book in two days, and thought on my gosh there is someone else out there like me that went through the same sort of abuse, that left, and she made a new life for herself. I can have that life to.
I think about things from time to time and get scared sometimes, and I have cried a ton, but I love my new life.