How I got help
Alexandria Randolph/The Highlander
In one of her counseling sessions, "Charlie" drew a scarecrow as a representation of her internal being during her recovery.
by Alexandria Randolph
Few coworkers or friends who see her today would believe that “Charlie,” a successful, independent, single woman, had ever been the victim of a repetitive pattern of domestic abuse.
Nowadays, she is all about healing, but the road to recovery has been long, she admits. Thankfully, she said, it was lined with local organizations willing to help.
Charlie has spent several months in Open Door Recovery, a county drug and alcohol court program, extensive outpatient addiction treatment and counseling with Highland Lakes Crisis Center staff.
When asked if she's recovered, she said, “A little more every day. It’s all about the healing.”
For Charlie, that means breaking the cycle.
She actually suffered through three abusie relationships, each different from the previous.
Her first husband grew abusive only after they were married.
“He beat me on the stomach when I was pregnant. He had an angry, angry inside. He tried to kill the baby,” she said.
For the full story, see Friday's Highlander.
