Less than an hour ago a woman showed up on our door step asking if she could use a phone to call the police. When I handed her the phone she was shaking too much to dial. I called 911 and handed her the phone. She told the operator she was fleeing an abusive relationship.

My heart started pounding. I left an abusive relationship in 2016. We don't live far from the police station so I offered to drive her. She thanked me incessantly. As we started driving I made sure she had a safe place to go, told her that I've been out of an abusive relationship for years and ensured her she was doing the right thing. She told me I was giving her hope.

I'm so grateful she chose our door. I got to give her my phone number in case she ever wants to talk or needs anything. I got to tell her that she has no idea how brave she is. When she was getting out of my car and told me I saved her life I made sure she knew SHE was saving her life.

I was shaken up and didn't want to overwhelm her further but hopefully someone here can find this useful.

I should have left all of my belongings, changed my phone number and made more efforts to get away the first time he hurt me.

I never pressed charges because I wanted the whole experience to be over and for him to be out of my life, which didn't happen. I didn't consider that I could help prevent him from hurting another woman, which did happen.

It isn't your fault.

It's never too late to leave.

There are resources.

I hope you find safety.

You're worth it.