Corrine’s Story: Part 7

Weak and vulnerable, I let Sean walk back into my life, just like that. He led me to the couch by my hand, sat me down, and put his arms around me. It felt so good to have his comfort again. I lost all senses and was right back where he wanted me. He told me how sorry he was for the way he had been treating me. He was so stressed out and heartbroken that I tried to leave him.

Sean said that his mom was out of town, and he wanted me to go with him to her place to “get away” for the weekend. A part of me was hesitant to go, but the other part won the battle, and I left with him. I often look back at that moment and wish I could have told the 23-year-old me not to fall for his tactics.

When we arrived at his mom’s, things were okay. Nothing seemed hostile with him. I was so thankful that he and I were able to spend time together. One moment things were fine, and then Sean snapped on me all over again. Now I am trapped in his domain. I have no way to get out of this apartment and no car to get away in. He had me with no route of escape, and I was at his mercy. For the sake of survival, I did everything he wanted. He wanted pills, so I called the dope man. Unfortunately, the drugs were sold before we got there, so I paid for it with a beating. On the following day, we went back to the dope man. No pills again. I told my “dude,” “he is going to kill me.” I got in the car and left. As Sean was driving down the rural road, he tried to throw me out of his car. Thank God I was able to fight him off. He finally pulled over at a gas station. To this day, I don’t know why he did. My adrenaline was pumping, and I was so angry at the way he had tormented and beat me over the last 24 hours. I guess I felt invincible in a public place. I did not think that he would hurt me out in the open.

I was sadly mistaken. I was in Sean’s face insulting his “manhood.” Before I knew it, Sean had his hands around my throat and had my feet off the ground. Then, like a ragdoll, he picked me, attempting to snap my neck. From afar, I heard these men yelling, “Hey, let her go!” These men running towards Sean spooked him enough for him to drop me. Once I was on the ground, he kicked me in the head and got in his car, speeding off. I vaguely remember hearing the men on the phone with 911 before I lost consciousness.

Waking up sometime later in the hospital, disoriented and confused, the police were there to begin the process of questioning me. I gave them the relevant history of Sean and me. They informed me that they apprehended Sean without incident, and he was in custody. Child Protective Services were also notified because I was involved in a violent relationship. I was assigned a caseworker and was told that I would lose custody the next time a domestic violence incident occurred in front of my children. My sons and I were placed in LACASA, a battered women’s shelter, just in case Sean was released on bond. I was finally cleared to return to my home only to be evicted a short time later. Amid all this turmoil, I had an impending sentencing for a felony drug conviction.

Thankfully the judge showed me mercy and gave me an extension to get my tether on due to the circumstances. I was able to get sober and get my own place with my children. Sean remained in jail, and when it came time to testify, I was uncooperative because I felt as though I was betraying him. I know I had every right to tell what he did, but something inside me felt wrong. It ultimately would not matter because Sean was convicted of assault with intent to commit great bodily harm less than murder. I was finally free from Sean’s grip. If only I could tell you now that I got to my happy ending.