Linnie’s Story

I had just turned 18 and moved to Wilmington for fresh start and a new beginning. I was sober and doing well, got my own place, and even adopted a dog! I was young and excited to leave my past behind me. I enjoyed going to the beach and all the things my new city had to offer. I was so excited for this new chapter in my life! Even started my own cleaning company! Then I met a guy. We met on my birthday which seemed special...like a sign that everything was going to be great.

He was hard working country boy who seemed to love his family. He was persistent and kind and very charming. He came straight up to me and introduced himself. He had pushed past plenty of other people he knew to say hello to me.

Things got serious really fast and I was oblivious to the signs. He used every trick in the book and was very good with his words. I started to catch on. Things just didn’t add up. I know he lied about being sober, I just couldn’t prove it. I knew he had been lying about places and people he was with, I just had no proof. Then, boom, I found out I was pregnant. I was 19 and using birth control! I thought, "Maybe that’s why I felt crazy...I'm pregnant. Maybe he’s not using or cheating on me. let’s just give it a shot." But things got worse. He said was so excited about the baby and told me to quit your job and stay home. He said, “I’ll provide for you guys." I worked right up until I gave birth. When the baby arrived, It was to hard to breast feed and work and find someone to babysit, so I took him up on his offer and stayed home.

That’s when things started to get crazy…

He was never home. Never helped me. I had to beg him for money because I wasn't working and he was paying for everything. He knew he had that over me, and I had no where else to go. I knew he was lying to me still, and had to say something. He got mad at me for calling him out on his lies and that’s when it got violent. I wish I could say it was just the one time, but it wasn’t. And it got so much worse.

He held knives to my throat. Ripped out huge chunks of my hair until my scalp was bleeding and bald. He would punch me in my ribs so hard I couldn't stand up or catch my breath. Left scars on my skin from cutting me with a machete. He only got misdemeanor charges for repeatedly punching me in the head, locking me in a hotel bathroom, and beating the crap out of me.

One night he was so so mad, that he began to choke me on top of my son who was only one at the time. I called the cops but I still couldn’t afford anything on my own. He swore he would change. Despite everything I knew…I believed him.

I got pregnant a second time. I was dangerously depressed, helpless and alone. The abuse was getting worse, and my depression was unbearable. I had to get out of there! At about 8 months postpartum, I was ready to leave. He knew he was losing control. And he knew my history with addiction. He then did the most abusive thing he could think of. He said, "Here, take this. It will help." After almost 7 years clean, I relapsed.

After that I had my mom and sister come get my kids. I had given up the fight and let my addiction take control for almost 2 years. Then I felt a shift. Something in me wanted to fight for my life back. After being in and out of jail and sketchy situations, and missing my kids, I finally wanted to live again.

So I took the first step. If I could say anything to someone going through it, I'd say that it is scary as heck, and not easy at all, but there are people out there that will literally do anything to help you get through the tough times. You are not alone. You just have to remember who you are, and know that you are worth fighting for. There are amazing women and programs to help you.

Operation Pretty Things was there for me for all my court dates, helping me get ready...my hair, my makeup, even my clothes! I came with nothing from jail. They provided everything! They helped me see the beauty and potential and strength in me that I didn’t know I had. It was the support that I never knew I deserved. I’ll never forget the prayers and love they showed me through some of the roughest times in my life, and will forever be grateful for those women and what they do.