FOR SURVIVORS
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
If you are reading this because something in your life doesn't feel right, you are not alone.
You don't have to explain everything. You don't have to have all the answers. And you don't have to leave perfectly.
Your safety, your voice, and your choices matter.
This space is here to offer encouragement, information, and resources without judgment, pressure, or blame.
YOU ARE ALLOWED TO TAKE THE NEXT SAFE STEP.
The survivor section of this book was written for women who may recognize parts of themselves in the story.
Going back does not erase what happened. Asking for help is not weakness. And you do not need a perfect plan to begin thinking about your safety.
Believe Yourself
If you are afraid, that matters.
You do not have to wait for the worst to happen before taking your fear seriously.
You don't have to have everything figured out.
You don't have to leave perfectly.
You Can Start Again
If something feels wrong, that matters.
You know your own experience.
You deserve to be safe.
You can start again.
Every safe step forward matters
Support Without Shame
Survivors can face stigma, isolation and shame.
You deserve support without judgment, pressure , or blame.
Reaching out for help is a sign of strength—not failure.
Your Next Safe Step
Read the survivor resources.
Create a safety plan.
Talk to someone you trust.
Take one safe step at a time.
IF YOU'RE QUESTIONING IT
You may find yourself thinking:
• Is this really abuse?
• Am I overreacting?
• Why do I keep going back?
• Why do I feel responsible for their behaviour?
• Why am I afraid to leave?
These questions are more common than you may think.
You don't have to have all the answers today.
Sometimes the first step is simply recognizing that something isn't okay.
SOME WARNING SIGNS OF ABUSE
Abuse can take many forms. Some warning signs may include:
• Controlling who you see or where you go
• Checking your phone, messages or social media
• Controlling money or access to finances
• Jealousy, accusations or constant suspicion
• Putting you down, humiliating or criticizing you
• Isolating you from friends or family
• Threatening you or making you afraid
• Blaming you for their behaviour
• Repeated apologies followed by the same behaviour
• Making you afraid to say no
• Using threats of self-harm or suicide to control you
• Physical violence or threats of physical violence
You don't have to wait until things become physical to take your safety seriously.
YOUR STORY MATTERS
The Day I Chose Myself shares one survivor's experience of love, addiction, abuse, fear, leaving and finding the courage to choose herself.
If you recognize parts of your own experience in these pages, know this:
You are not alone.
YOU DON'T HAVE TO FIGURE IT ALL OUT TODAY.
You don't have to go through this alone.
Support can come from a trusted friend, family member, advocate, Elder, counsellor, or community organization.
You deserve to be listened to, believed, and supported without judgment or pressure.
Asking for help is not a weakness. It is a step toward safety and healing.
Find support. Make a plan. Protect your safety. Choose yourself.