QUINCY, Fla. (WTXL) - Last year, we shared the story of a Quincy woman who said she escaped a dangerous home situation, where she was a victim of domestic abuse.
"It's like my whole life has started over, and it's great," said Abrilla Couch, who is a domestic abuse survivor.
It's quite the change for Abrilla Couch, breaking free from an abusive relationship while she was pregnant. Badly beaten and searching for a way out, but trying to make things work.
"I thought that I could fix him," Couch explained. "I thought the harder I would love him, that he would eventually love me in return."
We first spoke with Abrilla in August 2016. A few months later, her son Carlisle was born with a condition where his small intestine was outside of his body. Three surgeries later and Carlisle is doing just fine.
"My son -- all he's ever going to know is being surrounded by people who love him, and every last person in this church -- they love both of us," said Couch.
Not long after our report, Abrilla got in touch with Grace Baptist Church of Quincy. The pastor and his wife opened the doors of their own home to Abrilla and Carlisle, giving them a safe place to stay.
"It's very comforting to have a support system which was stolen away from me during my isolation period of my domestic violence cycle," said Couch.
Abrilla says she hopes her story of survival inspires others who may be going through something similar.
"You're not worthless," Couch asserted. "You're not alone, and if you ever just need someone to talk to, I'm always here."
Carlisle will celebrate his first birthday in a few weeks. Abrilla says she'd like to mentor other young women in her community.
