The Day I Knew I Had to Protect My Children—No Matter What
***Trigger Warning***
A Survivor Story:
When I was very pregnant with my second child, what should have been a normal day became a defining moment—one that would forever change how I saw the man I shared a home with.
Our dog had an accident on the stair landing. The kids’ father stepped in it—and exploded. What happened next is burned into my memory.
He beat the dog without hesitation. Then, in a blind rage, he threw him down two full flights of stairs. As if that wasn’t enough, he launched the injured dog out the back door. I watched, horrified, as the dog hit the concrete patio and slid, ripping several of his nails out from the impact.
I stood there frozen, holding my toddler—who had his face buried in my chest, crying uncontrollably. I was in shock. But the worst was still to come.
He turned toward us.
And in that instant, we saw something terrifying. His eyes were void of anything human. They were full of something else—something cold, dark, and violent.
In that moment, three things became undeniable:
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I could never leave my children alone with him.
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He was fully capable of causing serious, possibly fatal, harm.
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There is an evil inside him that can emerge at any moment—without warning, without reason.
That was the moment I stopped minimizing. I stopped making excuses. I knew we were in danger. Real, imminent danger.
It wasn’t just about the dog. It wasn’t about a mess. It was about power, cruelty, and complete loss of control.
It would take time, strategy, and support—but that moment lit a fire in me. I knew I had to escape. For my children. For myself. Before it was too late.
At Control Alt Delete, we understand how one terrifying moment can shift everything because we have lived it. If you’re living in fear or seeing signs of escalating violence, trust your instincts. Your safety matters. Your children’s safety matters.
You are not alone. Have your advocate reach out to Control Alt Delete when you are ready and it is safe to escape.
Because no one should have to live in fear of the evil behind someone’s eyes.
