Abi Blake is a domestic violence survivor; however, she didn’t press charges until he almost took her life.

Abi Blake and Sebastian Swamy met in 2014 after a friend introduced them. A few months after their first date, Abi decided to marry Sebastian. Sebastian moved into Abi’s home with her and her son from a previous relationship. He told Abi that he wanted to make her son’s life better than what he had endured growing up. However, Abi and Sebastian had minor issues from the beginning of their marriage. Sebastian would tell Abi how to dress, talk, and even carry herself.

Abi did not realize that she was suffering domestic violence. She would ignore what he said or make excuses for him and choose to focus on the things about him that she loved and on the good times that they had. However, once the physical violence began, it was harder to ignore. One evening, Abi returned from a night out with friends and found traces of what she believed was cocaine on her son’s toy table. Abi was angered by this and confronted Sebastian. Sebastian then slapped her and grabbed her. The next day, he apologized and said he only did it because he worried the neighbors would hear her yelling at him. This was not the last time that he would put his hands on Abi.

After one incident in 2017, Abi’s mother told her that she was afraid Abi would end up in a body bag. Unfortunately, five days later, her mother’s fears almost became a reality. Sebastian savagely beat Abi after she began to question him about a drinking binge he had been on. Sebastian punched and stomped on Abi, which resulted in Abi suffering spinal injuries, five broken ribs, a punctured rib, and a shattered cheekbone. Sebastian then locked himself in a bedroom, leaving Abi on the floor. Abi managed to drag herself outside and flag down neighbors to help her. When she reached the hospital, Abi underwent emergency surgery on her damaged spinal cord.

Sebastian was sentenced to three years and four months in jail. However, he was released after only six months. Every day, Abi fears that Sebastian will find a way to contact her.

Globally, one in three women suffer domestic violence. Over 26 percent of women aged 15 and older have suffered domestic violence from a partner. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please reach out and get help. Check in your state for domestic violence shelters or contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, http://www.TheHotline.org, or through text by texting “START” to 88788.