“Accepting help was one of the most challenging, yet life-changing decisions we made.”

I was raised in an upper middle-class family surrounded by support and stability. When I married, I believed I was building a life with a partner who was committed to his sobriety and helping others through his profession as a clinical social worker.  

On the outside, everything seemed ideal. Behind closed doors, the reality was much different. He made the choice to return to using drugs and everything began to unravel.  

It wasn’t just the physical abuse – chairs being thrown at us or being threatened with knives. My reality was constantly being twisted. Gaslighting made me question my memory, instincts, and sanity. We walked on eggshells. 

My children were at a point where suicide seemed a viable option, coming to me saying, ‘what if we just all died, and it wouldn’t be so bad anymore.’ That was the wake-up call for me to finally do something. 

With several late-night calls to the hotline at GreenHouse17, we planned and filed an emergency protective order. Accepting help was one of the most challenging, yet life-changing decisions we made.  

My advocate was there the day of the court appearance. She held my hand during all of it and walked me to my car.  

After 23 years of marriage, my children and I finally found the courage to seek help. For too many years I had been trapped in a cycle of fear, silence, and self-doubt. 

I am proud to say my children and I have been free from abuse for the last seven years. It hasn’t been an easy road, but it was worth every step. 

I have amazing kids, and they make me so proud. My oldest graduated with honors and went on to receive her master’s degree and my youngest is a sophomore with a full ride scholarship, pursuing their dreams. I have found a job I enjoy, and, after all these years, I am in a healthy relationship built on trust and respect. Our story is one of survival, resilience, and healing.  

This is only part of Cassie’s story, in her own words, shared with permission.