Jessica

Jessica is a young woman who constantly lived with the fear and violence in her relationship. She is a survivor of an abusive relationship. She met her boyfriend when she was senior in high school. In the beginning everything was fine. He was often jealous and did not like when she would spend time with her male friends- at the time Jessica though that that was just because her loved her so much. Once she moved in with him, things only got worse. He needed to control almost everything. He did not want her to visit her friends, or her family. He would tell her what kind of clothes to wear. Then he started to become violent verbally and eventually physically violent. At that time, Jessica thought she needed to try harder to make the relationship work. Jessica finally escaped her situation when her boyfriend threatened to kill the couple's new -born child. Her boyfriend was able to continue threatening her after the relationship ended. He would send her text mail threats, leave hurtful phone messages. The harassment lasted over two years. Jessica was able to find the strength to escape from her abuser. She teaches women's self defense and speaks about her experience with the hope of empowering other young girls to recognize and escape the violence.