October's Feature:
"Get Out Before It's Too Late"
Susan, a senior in high school had her whole life going for her. He ultimate goal in life was to become a nurse. She was putting in many volunteer hours at her local hospital, as well as working at a restaurant. And she had just moved in with her boyfriend of 2 months. He seemed a little possessive, even jealous of her friends and time she spent away from him, but at first, she admits it was flattering.
"But then he kept calling my cell phone all the time asking where I was, who I was with, and when I'd be home." He also started arguments over her family and friends, and began pushing, shoving, and hitting her. He kept saying he was sorry, but the abuse continued.
Finally, one night at work, she'd had enough. "I called my dad and told him the situation and that I wanted to come home." She was at work at the time and planned to pack her belongings later that night.
However, when she returned the apartment, her boyfriend was waiting for her with a loaded gun. "I asked him what he was doing with the gun, he said, 'this' pointed it at me, and shot me in the neck."
Luckily Susan survived. She spent months in the hospital recovering. But since she was paralyzed from the shoulders down, her dreams of becoming a nurse were shattered.
Today, Susan speaks out at high schools to reach teens. She has even spoken at one of Lisa's assemblies. Her message: "If your boyfriend is abusing you, get out before it's too late. Don't wait like I did."
*Susan has moved on--she's not a victim, but rather an abuse survivor. She is on a competitive Wheelchair Rugby Team and hopes to one day be a writer.
If you'd like Lisa Freeman & Susan Crim to speak at your next event contact Lisa.
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