Shoniqua Mack, 42, of Bridgeton, fought a long and dangerous battle for herself, and her eight children for many years until she found freedom in 2014.
Shonique Mack recalled a time, years ago, when she stood scared to death as her husband pointed a knife and threatened to stab her.
"He cut me, and I was bleeding really bad, but I still stayed with him," Mack said Thursday afternoon as she told the story of how she survived more than 20 years of domestic violence.
Mack, 42, of Bridgeton, fought a long and dangerous battle for herself, and her eight children for many years until she found freedom in 2014.
"It was a nightmare, I was sleeping with the enemy," the mother said, emotionally reflecting on her long journey.
Mack is one survivor out of thousands of fought for freedom from domestic violence and is speaking out and sharing a story of her own personal redemption.
The New Jersey Domestic Violence Offense Report cites that more than 65,000 domestic violence offenses were reported in the state.
Some of the highest rates stem from Cumberland County, where 2,738 offenses were reported -- 1 in every 57 people.
Mack first met her husband in church when she was just 19 years old. Shortly after, her now deceased husband, hit her for the first time.
"I was at my parents house and after that one time, it escalated," the 42-year-old said, adding that she was physically abused through her pregnancies, and then after.
A poem written by Shonique Mack, reflecting on the abuse she endured for many years. (Submitted | For NJ.com)"He had me scared, terrified and threatened to kill my parents, my brother, he kept me in fear so I would stay with him," Mack continued.
Despite warnings from loved ones, Mack was trapped in a terrorizing nightmare that she prayed for God to save her from.
In December 2014, her husband died from Leukemia. At the time of his diagnosis, Mack genuinely believed it would change him, but it didn't.
"It is sad that he passed away and I don't have to worry about abuse anymore because of his death. But we're free now," she said.
Even on his death bed, Mack was faced with a tough decision, as she was listed as his only caretaker.
"In spite of what he did, I still had to do right. It's very powerful to me -- I had an angel on one shoulder and the devil on the other, but I chose to take care of him -- I had to ask myself, 'What would Jesus do?'"
Mack is still trying to heal, but said she wants to shed a light, and give hope to other men and women who are imprisoned in such a violent life.
"I'm a survivor now. I'm tired of being afraid. I don't want to be afraid anymore. I can finally tell my story and help other women who may be still enduring this from their abusers. I'm not scarred for life -- God is good," she said.
Mack is one of thousands that suffered in silence for years.
Officials say that at least 8,000 offenses went unreported in 2012 and most likely is due to the silence and unreported incidents.
In rural areas, like Cumberland, and even Salem County, economic struggles are often a contributor in domestic violence.
"In 2012, we were going through a deep financial crisis. I think that adds a layer of stress to a family and increases risk factors," Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae said.
With tough economic times, stress of daily living is a heavy burden, causing more distress on a regular basis, officials said.
The state's domestic violence report from 2012 reported 27 percent of incidents involved alcohol and/or drugs.
And with money problems comes funding problems. Financial support in certain areas also plays a role in the high rates of reported incidents.
In rural areas like Salem County, financial support from county government and other resources is lacking, according to Salem County Women's Services Executive Director Lori Davenport.
While the state does fund programs, some counties are able to raise larger sums of money to supplement state funding, Davenport added.
In Salem County there is a population of just over 61,000, as opposed to other counties, like Burlington and Camden with higher populations of between 450,000 and 512,000,
"That is hard for us to do, given the size of our county, and economic status of most residents. When funding is based on population, we end up getting less money," the director said.
The state domestic violence offense report cited 835 offenses in Salem County, 1 in every 73 people.
The overall message is to understand that a person who is in this cycle feels trapped, doesn't see hope or a way out, according to Counselor Wendy Hughes, MSCC, LAC, with Connections Counseling in Woodbury.
"What they need is someone to stick by them no matter what," Hughes said, adding that counselors also help those involved find a safety plan and navigate the healing process.
With domestic violence, part of safety is establishing where the client is emotionally.
"My first thought is always safety--emotionally, psychologically, and physically. As a counselor, if they are still in their situation, we want to empower them with tools to make sure they feel safe," Hughes said.
ALSO: Bridgeton City vigil brings hope, awareness on domestic violence against women
It's not their fault, according to Hughes, who said may victims often stay with an abuser or return many times.
"People who are in an active cycle are traumatized. They have had their voice stolen, reality defined for them and they don't trust their own judgment or see their own worth," Hughes explained.
"We want to help them process through that and help them see other things about them, and that their life is valuable," the counselor continued.
Brittany Wehner may be reached at bwehner@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @brittanymwehner. Find her on Facebook.
