PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — A local woman is grateful to be alive to share her story, knowing many other domestic violence victims did not get the chance.
Victim Services said this time of year is often the most difficult for domestic abuse victims to come forward because they are afraid of disrupting their home during the holiday season.
But one woman said leaving her husband was a decision to had to make for the safety of her 6-year-old son and the baby on the way.
"I have a son and you know, I was just scared that if he would do that to me, what would he do to him?" said the woman whom WPTV is not identifying.
She's been with her husband for 10 years and said she never saw this coming.
Earlier this month, she left him after she said he became physically aggressive towards her. Then on Dec. 15, when she parked to go into work, she said he surprised her in the parking lot.
"I opened the door [of her car] and turned to grab my purse and when I turned back around he had a gun pointed at me telling me that I was going with him," she said.
The woman said her husband sexually battered her in her own car.
"He just made me do something that was unimaginable, that somebody that I love would make me do," she said in tears. "He told me as he was getting out [of the car] that he should shoot me, but the only reason that he won't shoot me was because of our son."
The arrest report for Michael Humose said he started a fire in his and his wife's apartment.
"I have to be strong for a child," said the domestic violence survivor.
Palm Beach County Victim Services works with victims of domestic abuse and help them relocate to safety.
"Prepare a proper safety plan because when you leave, that is, could be the most lethal time for the victim," said Susan Carlini, Program Coordinator for PBC Victim Services.
The woman said she hopes others like her will find strength to fight for survival.
"You just have to get away from it and isolate yourself from the situation, cause you’re not sure what’s going to happen," she said. "It could get worse."
The woman said she is trying to make the holiday season as normal as possible for her son. Humose is in jail facing several charges. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Palm Beach County Victim Services has a local helpline for anyone looking to leave a dangerous situation or seeking advice. You can call the local helpline 24/7 at 866-891-7273. The Florida Domestic Violence Hotline number is 1-800-500-1119.
