Domestic abuse survivor speaks out at women empowerment conference

A survivor of domestic violence shared her story at the annual Women’s Empowerment Conference in Yuma Friday.

Amanda Quintero said she recounted her experience at the conference to make sure everyone knows there is a way out.

Quintero said the abuse happened over a six-year period.

” It started off gradually with physical abuse. He would lock me in rooms. He would keep me from food and it was gradual mind games. It later proceeded to physical abuse, ” said Quintero.

Quintero said her abuser was arrested and served time behind bars, but when he was released, he abused her again. He eventually ended up behind bars for the second time.

Quintero’s advice to those going through this very horror story is that there is hope.

She was able to get help through The Healing Journey, one of the hosts of the conference.

Almost two decades after she was abused, Quintero said she’s ready to move on with her life.

” A sense of you can forgive and you can move on so that’s been my big thing this year. I’ve been able to forgive and it’s been almost 16, 18 years, ” said Quintero.

Quintero said that is one thing she has been able to do, not for her abuser, but for herself.

The conference included several other survivors and even community leaders.