Domestic abuse and healing. Every survivor of domestic violence carries a story etched with pain—but also immense strength. It’s in these stories that we find the essence of resilience, hope, and a fierce determination to reclaim life. Domestic violence is not just physical—it is emotional, psychological, financial, and often silent. Survivors often suffer in the shadows, behind closed doors, wrapped in fear, shame, and isolation. But every day, someone finds the courage to leave, to survive, to heal.

The Reality of Domestic Violence

According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence. Most often by an intimate partner. And while women make up the majority, men, non-binary individuals, and members of the LGBTQ+ community also experience abuse. Survivors often face barriers like financial dependence, threats, lack of support systems, and societal stigma. Which keeps them trapped longer than they want to be. Including myself and people I love most.

But they do survive. As a matter of fact in surviving, they can change the narrative—not just for themselves, but for others walking a similar path. Through my 40 over 40 project I have met women who are survivors and who have gone on to help others. With time and love they can move forward from Domestic abuse and heal.

Below meet Kelly. Who has created an amazing Non-Profit to help other women who are victims of Domestic Abuse.

“The violence and abuse I suffered at the hands of my perpetrator was compounded by the criminal justice system and family court.  I felt unsafe and unprotected.  As I was tired of reaching out for help and hearing that nothing could be done.  I felt firsthand the experience shared by so many of a broken system.  It was at this lowest point that I searched for a way that I could take back safety and control”. This is where Kelly found Stella.” And started to take back her life from Domestic Abuse and began to heal. Kelly created an amazing non-profit Kelly’s K9s, Tails of Courage!

” I remember the first moment I met her.  The trainer brought her out and she sat down beside me.  As I was petting and getting to know her, a stranger began to approach.  Stella took her paw and moved it across my ankle as if she was telling me that she had my back.  In that moment of feeling safe and secure I knew I needed her, not only for my physical well-being but for my emotional health as well”. To read Kelly’s horrific story please click HERE

Women can gain the courage to heal from Domestic Violence

All of the dogs are trained by Robert Gierla. Founder of Metro K 9. There is nobody else that Kelly would trust more. Bobby has been by her side from the moment he heard her story. He has and still is doing everything possible to ensure the safety of Domestic Abuse Survivors. As well as families everywhere who just want a protection dog or a beautiful family pet.

Empowering Other Victims of Domestic Violence and helping them heal.

Kelly not only created a non-profit in which other victims can gain their confidence back, she also was able to fall in love and trust other people again. The icing on the cake? She is going to expose her attacker. Even though the system failed her, she picked herself up and found the strength, and she did it with the world watching.

Kelly Sutliff, will be featured in the premiere episode of Toxic, a new documentary series airing on Investigation Discovery (ID) and streaming on Max.The episode premieres May 5th at 10PM and marks the first time Kelly shares the full truth of what she lived through. It’s raw, unfiltered, and deeply personal.

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Her protection dog, Luca, appears alongside her—demonstrating the bite work that became both a symbol of protection and a turning point in her healing. Watch the official trailer below and see how strength rises from the darkest places.​