At 19 years old, Lilian thought she had found love, but within a few months, her relationship turned into a nightmare of physical and psychological abuse. By the time she escaped, she had endured captivity, brutal beatings, and repeated threats to her life.
Her story is a testament to resilience and a wake-up call about the dangers of domestic violence, coercive control, and the systemic failures that keep victims trapped.
A Relationship That Became a Prison
Lilian’s story began in Guadalajara, Jalisco, where she met a man who would become her husband, the father of her children, and her worst nightmare.
At first, he presented himself as a caring provider, offering to take care of her financially. They moved in together, but strange phone calls and mysterious visitors raised red flags.
When she questioned him, his violent nature emerged.
“He grabbed me by the head and told me I had no right to ask questions.”
That was just the beginning.
Witnessing Horror: The Day She Discovered the Truth
One night, Lilian overheard agonizing screams from another room.
She peered through a hole in the door and witnessed her husband torturing a kidnapped teenager.
“He had him on the ground, crying, while drilling into his skull.”
This shocking revelation confirmed her worst fears—her partner was deeply involved in organized crime. That same day, he made his first direct death threat:
“I don’t want to hurt you, but if you scream, I’ll have to.”
Pregnancy, Isolation, and Psychological Torture
Shortly after, Lilian discovered she was pregnant. Instead of protection, her abuse intensified.
- He cut her off from the world, confiscating her phone.
- She was locked inside their home for days, unable to contact her family.
- She discovered his altar to Santa Muerte, where he allegedly offered her life in rituals.
One day, she overheard him talking to a statue, promising to kill her.
“I told you I would do it. I told you I’d kill her.”
Beatings and Near-Death Experiences
As his paranoia grew, he accused her of infidelity and betrayal.
- He beat her unconscious with a heavy wrench.
- She woke up tied up, unable to move.
- Even his mother and grandmother knew but never called for help.
By the time she was six months pregnant, she had bruises all over her body, spent days without food, and contemplated killing him in self-defense.
“I thought about poisoning him while he slept.”
Her hopelessness led to suicidal thoughts, but when she confided in him, he laughed, hit her, and threatened to bury her in the backyard.
A Desperate Escape and an Attempted Murder
One day, she finally escaped with her children, running to her sister’s home.
But her husband tracked her down, storming into the house with a gun.
“He tried to suffocate me. I thought I was dead.”
A neighbor’s call to the police saved her life.
Even then, his family tried to cover up the attack, claiming she had been mugged.
But she had reached her breaking point—she reported him to authorities.
The Aftermath: Harassment and His Final Act
Despite a restraining order, he bombarded her with calls, texts, and threats, claiming he would kill himself if she didn’t return.
Then, he followed through on his threat.
His sudden death made his family blame Lilian, accusing her of causing his suicide.
“They still threaten me today.”
Raising Awareness: Lilian’s Message for Women Facing Abuse
Lilian shares her story to help other women realize they are not alone.
“There is a way out. No matter how trapped you feel, you can escape.”
How to Get Help for Domestic Violence
If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, reach out for help.
Emergency Resources:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV): www.ncadv.org
- RAINN (Sexual Assault Hotline): 1-800-656-4673
Leaving an abuser is dangerous but possible. With support, survivors can rebuild their lives and find safety.
Lilian’s story is one of pain, courage, and survival—a reminder that no one deserves to live in fear.
