Domestic violence survivor recalls night when partner ‘snapped’
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- A decade after graduation, Tara Loo reconnected with an old high school friend, and they began dating.
Six months later, her boyfriend snapped.
"I said to him, 'This isn't working anymore, I'm over this. You can stay here tonight, but I want you out in the morning,' and I just went to bed thinking I was done, what a relief." Tara told us, recounting the night that occurred years ago.
"The next thing I remember is waking up in the bathroom naked, with just blood everywhere."
It took Tara years of therapy with TESSA of Colorado Springs to help with the trauma. She first met TESSA advocates after talking to detectives at the hospital following the attack. She said she didn't really know what domestic violence was until speaking with them.
"It was the first time that I knew I had been in an abusive relationship that whole time, even though there was nothing physical until that night that he tried to take my life," Tara said.
But the help she received inspired her to educate people who are going through similar experiences or are in other dangerous situations.
"I just knew right away that I could use my voice to support others," Tara said. She's now a TESSA advocate with her daughters by her side fighting against teen violence.
Tara says the programs and support at TESSA are unmatched.
"It is a lifesaver; it was for me," Tara said. "There's no way that I could have healed without the support of TESSA."
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or abuse, TESSA offers a confidential safe line 24/7, and it can be reached at 719-633-3819.
