Fort Myers - WINK News is speaking with abuse victims and counselors about the deaths of the two Southwest Florida women, allegedly at the hands of their partners. The stories are devastating and show how serious of a problem domestic violence is in our area.

We cannot give her name, but a former victim of abuse WINK News spoke with on Wednesday says her life has just undergone a complete turnaround. She said, "I had no life, no friends, no family, no contact with my family... nothing." For 15 years she says she endured physical and mental abuse at the hands of her own husband, "I thought it was my fault, so I didn't do anything about it."

She's not alone. The Abuse Counseling and Treatment Center, or ACT, in Fort Myers says it hears stories like hers all the time. But, this woman escaped. She told WINK, "At least now I know, I'm going to change my life and do things I've never done before."

Leaving is the hardest part, so says ACT counselors, who call it the most dangerous time in an abusive relationship. But they say, women can protect themselves. Christine Kobie said, "Over 75 percent of the domestic violence murders that occur, occur during that leaving process...that's why we work on a safety plan."

The woman we spoke with put together her safety plan catered to her needs with ACT's help and was able to get out. She says she no longer feels hopeless and for the first time...finally feels like who she is. She said, "I'm looking forward to that."

ACT counselors say one woman is killed in Florida every 36 hours due to domestic violence. If you are, or you know someone who is a victim of domestic abuse, call 211 for help with creating a safety plan. 211 will direct you to ACT counselors.