13.1 for Voices

"Tell your story". It seems simple enough, doesn't it? Well, oftentimes than not, vulnerability is hard.

2023 taught me more lessons that I ever thought one year could. If you're interested in my story, and my cause, please continue reading below.

On December 10th, 2022 I was a victim of domestic violence. During a drunken rage, my partner of nearly three years and husband of one, struck me across the face with a metal frying pan. With one solid hit, I fell to the floor grasping for my glasses. I acted instinctively and made a desperate attempt to escape through the front door. He would later be charged with both assault and false imprisonment. I can't say whether it was his drunken state or my attempt for survival that allowed me to eventually escape from that door, and that apartment. I ran down Highland St., a street I have walked thousands of times over the last 28 years, barefoot, screaming, and pleading for help.

Within the hour I had involved the Plymouth Police Department. Three officers arrived at my stepmother's home where they asked me series of domestic-violence related questions. I sobbed as I thought, "How have I let this happen to me?" Two of the officers were people I had known for many years. I felt shameful in that moment, almost as I should've known. When they handed me a pamphlet for Voices Against Violence I sobbed hysterically. This was a local non-profit whom I had attended many fundraising events for over the years. I never thought, in a million years, I would be a woman who was handed a domestic violence pamphlet by a police officer.

Over the course of the next week, I stared glaringly at that pamphlet every day. I didn't call. I didn't stop in. My friends and family gently encouraged me to contact them from time to time, I resisted.

Life resumed for my friends and family, but not for me. I left work and didn't necessarily intend on returning. I had no idea how I was to move on from this. My entire life had been pulled from underneath me in the matter of one evening. One afternoon I found myself with nobody to call. Friends and family had ensured to make themselves regularly available but on this specific afternoon, at this specific time, nobody.

I looked at the pamphlet again, I called.

A few days later, I visited their office for the first time. I hadn't brushed my teeth, and I couldn't tell you how many days I had gone without a shower. I just wanted someone to look at me and say, "I understand what you're going through," and they did. I visited frequently over the next few months, sometimes just to talk, sometimes just to cry.

The women at Voices Against Violene are truly heroes of this community.

They helped me in applying to the state of New Hampshire's Victim's Compensation Fund where I was able to get partial reimbursement for the weeks I was out of work. The same fund is still paying for my continued mental health counseling. I can truly say I would not be where I am today if I hadn't called Voices that afternoon.

I certainly would not be training for a half marathon without them either. That is why I am dedicating my first ever 13.1 to Voices Against Violence. I will be participating in the “On the Run” half marathon on March, 23, 2024 in Old Orchard Beach, ME.

After reading my story I hope you will consider donating to this incredible non-profit organization. Any donation, big or small, will allow this organization to continue helping survivors of domestic violence right in our local community.

More information about Voices Against Violence: Voices is your local crisis services agency. We provide help for women, men and children in 18 towns in the lower Grafton County area through a 24-hour crisis line; access to confidential shelters for adults and children seeking safety individual support and advocacy; support groups, court, police and medical advocacy and accompaniment. All services are free and confidential.