Laura lived with confidence, an easy laugh, surrounded by friends and a caring family. She was completing online classes toward earning her CNA certification, and her future hummed with potential. Still, beneath her brightness lived the quiet fear of being alone, of never getting married. When a friend introduced her to Jack, Laura held a tender hope—perhaps this man would be the one. 

Jack was consuming, flattering, intoxicating. Laura had never felt so cared for. Six months later, she said yes to his proposal—not just to the man, but to the promise of being cherished, protected. She felt lucky and was excited to start their life together. 

But Jack began to quiz her on the time she spent away from him. One night, after visiting her mother, Laura and Jack argued.  He said she was ignoring him, taking him for granted. His anger and frustration boiled over. He slapped her face hard. 

The next morning, Jack wept and begged for forgiveness. He didn’t know what came over him. He talked about his childhood and his fear of abandonment. Laura loved him and wanted the marriage to work. She told no one.  

Ten years passed. They bought a house, got a dog, and had a daughter, Lexi, now 6 years old. Laura lived in constant watchfulness, tailoring her behavior to pacify Jack, to guard Lexi from the violence that had become routine. Laura had slowly become isolated from her friends and family, too ashamed for them to know what her life had become.   

One day, Lexi had a high fever, and Laura forgot to make dinner. Jack erupted. He dragged Laura from Lexi’s room and berated her. Laura tried to de-escalate, but he struck her in the face, her mouth filled with blood, and her eye swelled immediately. Laura gathered up Lexi and ran to the neighbor’s house. 

The police were called, but Laura declined to press charges, afraid of Jack’s retaliation. The officer gave her the DSVS helpline number. Laura called the next day.  

Laura met with a DSVS advocate, and together they crafted a safety plan. Within days, Laura and Lexi were in a long-term shelter. Within weeks, they had a home. Deposit paid. Rent covered. Surgery scheduled for her infected tooth. And for the first time in years, Laura had the chance to breathe. 

With time, she realized how thoroughly she had guarded the secret of Jack’s violence. Afraid of judgment, of being seen as weak, wrong, or stupid. But her family and friends folded her and Lexi back into their lives with open arms. 

Laura’s rebuilding. Relearning. Reclaiming. She has a job, is getting a divorce. Jack still calls. He threatens. Pleads. Promises. But Laura protects her boundaries. 

Each time she visits DSVS, her advocate notices the change. Laura’s smile is easy, she’s grounded, her confidence returning.