AVON, CT (WFSB) -
Next week women from across the state will come together in support of domestic violence victims.
They will be raising money through a women's golf tournament to fund programs that are available in abusive relationships.
One of those programs helps people like Crystal Garrett, a survivor of domestic violence.
Sitting with her mother and surrounded by family in her grandmother's home, it's still difficult for Garrett to talk about one violent night more than three years ago.
"He told me that night that he was going to kill me," Garrett said.
The home is where Garrett went in order to start over after a fight with her boyfriend at the time, which ended with her in the hospital and with him in jail.
She said he nearly strangled her to death while she was four months pregnant.
Once she recovered enough to leave the hospital, she said her grandmother's home was exactly where she needed to be.
"I felt comfortable and safe," Garrett said. "I had to be around my family."
Now with her girls growing up, Garrett decided it was time to try things again out on their own.
To help her get started, she reached out to the Community Renewal Team.
"We provide them with their basic needs so they can be on the road to self-sufficiency, self-reliance," said CRT Case Manager Ymonne Wilson.
With her case manager's help, Garrett found safe housing, is working on getting a new job and plans to enroll in nursing school this fall.
"I think she's come a long way and we'll continue to work with her until she gets to where she wants to be," Wilson said.
She said she's committed to Garrett's case for at least two years and that she knows Garrett and her daughters are going to need all the support they can get.
Her ex isn't due to be released from jail until next year, but is up for early release this summer.
Garrett said that prospect is tough, but she doesn't plan on letting that hold her back.
"You can still move forward," Garrett said. "This man has not stopped my life. Don't let it stop your life."
Garrett said she's focusing on staying strong for her kids, and for other women like her trying to start on a new path.
Tee-off with Women to End Domestic Violence kicks-off Tuesday at the Blue Fox Run Golf Course in Avon.
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