Judy Sharp, a 61-year-old from Brisbane, uses her experiences to inspire and uplift others.
Her heart sank when her husband handed her a bouquet of tulips.
Forcing a smile, she responded, “Thank you, they’re lovely.”
Mick* brought her flowers every Friday, without fail, all year round.
You might think such a gesture would make her feel special, but instead, it left her uneasy for the rest of the week.
His jealousy was relentless, triggered by even the smallest things. She felt trapped, controlled, and deeply unhappy.
Things only got worse after the birth of their two sons.
Convinced she was being unfaithful, Mick went to extreme lengths—sealing the front and back doors with tape and checking every morning for signs of tampering.
But the most painful thing of all was when he called her a bad mother.
She knew her boys deserved better.
Yet, with Mick controlling the finances, she had no money and nowhere to go.
Then, one night, as she sat on the couch with her sons, Mick hurled insults at her. Suddenly, he grabbed a camera, took a photo, and chillingly declared that it would be her last night alive.
As he snapped the picture, he lunged at her—but her terrified screams stopped him in his tracks.
The next morning, after he left for work, she took the boys and fled.
With her mind racing, she searched for a place to rent. No shelter would take them in because Tim, her eldest, had severe autism.
Desperate, she withdrew enough money to cover one week’s rent and the bond.
They packed quickly, climbed into a moving van, and left.
With no job and no financial security, she had no idea how she would raise two children. But the moment she stepped into their new home, a weight lifted.
Mick eventually stopped hurting her, but the trauma he had caused was unbearable—especially for their sons.
Determined to break the cycle, she showered them with love and taught them the value of kindness.
“The most important thing you can be is kind,” she often told them.
Today, she beams with pride at the men they’ve become. Tim, now 32, is a renowned artist, while Sam, 30, is a swim coach who once trained for the Olympics.
Judy has built a fulfilling life, with a career she loves and a home with a beautiful garden.
Wanting others to know they’re not alone, she bravely shares her story.
Every year, on the anniversary of their escape, she posts about it on Facebook, offering hope to other survivors—something that makes her sons immensely proud.
A few years ago, she stumbled upon the haunting photo Mick had taken that night. Though difficult to look at, she felt compelled to share it.
She wants women to know that domestic abuse is never acceptable, and no child should have to grow up in such an environment.
Her message is clear: there is always hope for a brighter future.
(*Mick’s name has been changed.)
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