Every 15 seconds someone is abused by a spouse in the United States. And it's not much different here in eastern Idaho. Here's the story of one courageous woman who escaped her abusive husband.
10 years ago seems like yesterday.... That's when Debbie Horton escaped a violent husband and left an abusive relationship for what would be the fifth and final time. ...That's also the day, she saved her own life and quite possibly the lives of her children.
To hear Debbie tell her story, it seems like something you might see in a movie. But for her and her children, their situation was deadly serious.
"I said I was leaving your dad...it's time for us to get out of here I want you to come with me. It's up to you but I am leaving on Monday morning."
And leaving wasn't easy to do. It took a lot of courage and planning.
"Your aunt has a plan. I don't know what it is. She will not tell me, please whatever happens, keep my secret please."
That secret had to be kept for 3 days and the plan was in place...
"He went out the door. I closed the door and turned around and much to my surprise, my children were walking down the stairs with suitcases and so I said, give me 45 minutes and I want to gather my suitcases, my important papers. We can't change anything in the house."
Debbie Packed, grabbed the money she had stashed away and was surprised by a thousand dollars she found in her savings account. But walking out the door getting in the car and driving away wasn't the hardest part. The hardest part was having blind faith that there was something better, some place better out there. Because without that faith, like so many others Debbie might have turned around and came back.
As a precaution, Debbie's sister didn't tell her where she was going just to call her when the got to Chicago."...called her. She says you're going to Idaho. I said where's Idaho?"
But on the whole trip from Indiana to Idaho, Debbie had to be very careful so her husband couldn't track her down.
"I had to change my name at every motel. I paid in cash. We ate at only McDonald's, or fast food and I always put the car in the back. I stayed on the highway or freeway and drove as fast as I could."
And in Idaho, Debbie found open arms, the protection she needed.
"I was safe, no more fear of guns, no more bruising, no more head through the back of the bathtub, no more hospitals."
She didn't know until later, but Debbie's husband did try to come after her twice, but police apprehended him. Authorities knew of her journey and They protected her all along the way..
These Days she has a new life, a new, kind, husband and she's doing very well.
Everyone doesn't have to go through what Debbie had to, to escape. In Escaping Domestic Violence Part II, I'll show you options available here in eastern Idaho. You are not alone. We're watching out for you.