4 years ago, my life was different than it is now. 4 years ago, I lived with a man who threw coffee cups at my head, who beat me and who sexually forced himself on me. This man was my husband., and I thought that this was how a relationship was supposed to be for me. 4 years ago, I lived in fear that my husband would beat me to death in front of my 5 year old son and 1 year old daughter. And that fear saved me.

I decided one day, that I didn’t want my life to be further ruined by someone who was trying to keep me broken., and I didn’t come back until my ex agreed to vacate our home. I thought it was over and I was safe. I was wrong, he would beat me 1 more time. My daughter of 1.5 would witness it, and I would suffer wounds, bruised ribs and bruised organs. BUT I fought back. I didn’t allow him to beat me to death. I defended myself and got away. I ran without my daughter, because I knew if I were to try to take her with me that he would kill me.

Justice for me is the strength I found inside myself to stand up and fight back. To protect my body and to decide somewhere deep inside myself that I was worth more than how I was allowing myself to be treated.

Justice is every day after that last beating becoming a better, stronger, smarter, woman. One with her feet not on the ground, but firmly woven in the ground.

Justice is realising that you are a worthy part of the world around you, a precious being, meant to give back to the world around you.

Justice is not being ashamed to share my story. I am not the one who should be ashamed.

My life is different now, I am raising my 2 beautiful children who despite their rocky background 4 years ago are well adjusted happy people who know their worth and my love for them. I have a new relationship, with a man who treats me like I am a priceless diamond.

Justice is rising above my abuser, not allowing him to break my spirit or my soul and becoming a better version of myself.