2024 Joyce Stein Award Celebration
HONORING THOSE WHO MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE GROWTH AND ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN The Joyce Stein Memorial Award is given in memory of Boisean Joyce Ann Stein, a long-time […]
When I first met him, it was like a fairy tale. He was perfect; handsome, sweet and kind. For two years he remained that way; he never even raised his voice to me in anger. We were married on December 28, 1996 and that’s when it all changed. I became a possession; a thing. We had our first child in May 1998 and I thought things would get better and they did, for a while. Then it started again. All the “I’m sorrys” and the “it will never happen again” were all lies.
It happened again and again and again. In 2000, we had our 2nd child and I thought I should stay with him so my kids would have a father. I was wrong. I tried to leave several times throughout our 12 year marriage but he would always lure me back with lies and empty promises. On August 1, 2005 I got the strength to leave when he set fire to my house.
With the help and support of the WCA I finally divorced him. I felt the weight of the world lifted from my shoulders. My children and I were finally safe and it felt amazing! I do not consider myself a victim. I am a survivor and I am strong. I wish you the same feeling.
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