I never thought I would be a victim of violence, especially because I wasn’t the one in the relationship. I stepped in because there were children involved, and I became the one who got hurt. My sister’s child’s father attacked me, and I was taken to the ER with severe injuries. I suffered a split tongue that required stitches, stitches in my top and bottom lip, severe dental trauma, and ongoing pain, swelling, and difficulty eating and speaking. Right now, even basic things like talking, eating, and drinking are painful and difficult.

The hardest part is this: I didn’t choose to be in a violent relationship. I chose to protect children. But violence doesn’t stay between two people—it spreads and affects everyone around it, especially those who step in to help. There are people like me who become victims not because we stayed in abuse, but because we refused to ignore it. Now I’m left trying to heal physically and emotionally while also facing overwhelming medical and dental expenses. I urgently need treatment to repair my teeth, manage the pain, and prevent long-term complications.

These funds will go toward emergency dental procedures and repair, follow-up medical care, pain management, and recovery support. I don’t regret stepping in to protect those children. I would do it again. But I can’t do this recovery alone. If you’re able to donate, anything helps more than I can express. If you’re not able to donate, please consider sharing my story. And if you’ve ever been hurt trying to protect someone else, please know—you’re not alone. Thank you for reading, sharing, and supporting my healing.