This book is dedicated to the 15 brave women who told the stories of their journey from darkness to light, from abuse to freedom; and to all those who have yet to make that journey, for whom we hope this book provides both inspiration and guidance. The story tellers have spoken from a position of strength – a strength that they have been given by friends or family, by organisations such as Women’s Refuge, or that they have found within themselves. Their tales educate us by example, and education is one of the keys if we are to improve on this nation’s currently horrific rates of domestic violence.
 
 
How often do you cry yourself to sleep at night, blanket pulled over your head, screaming into the silence: That’s it! I’m OUT of here!
 
One too many times?
 
Have you promised yourself to make a change but somehow haven’t got around to taking action for a better life? Once again, you just stick with it, blame yourself and wait for better times to come?
 
Well, now is a better time.
 
Even saying it once is once too often. You deserve better. You deserve to be happy. You deserve to be yourself. You deserve to be respected and loved.
 
“Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from our own actions.” Dalai Lama
 
This book is dedicated to all the brave people who agreed to share their stories, in the hope that their life changing decisions might change your mind too. They reached a moment in their lives when ‘That’s it! I’m out of here’ was the only clear path to take. I hope their stories and mine will inspire you to seek help, move on and move forward. 
 
You deserve to live a big and beautiful life and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!