April left her physically, sexually, and financially abusive husband for the final time. It was her third attempt at leaving and what she called “my last Hail Mary.” She moved in with her sister, ceased all communication with her husband, and filed for divorce. Her husband attempted suicide and was hospitalized. April’s family, friends, and church members begged her to forgive him so that he wouldn’t harm himself again. “They keep saying, ‘You don’t have to go back to him, just talk to him, just forgive him,’” April said through tears. “It’s funny how I’m supposed to be the bigger person. The
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