Six women seeking protection from abuse (PFA) orders were called together and placed in a small room in the county courthouse to await their fate.

Like the woman who has agreed to share her story, they suffered mental and physical abuse and even death threats from men who claimed to love them.

Outside the door were the men they feared; this day the men were allowed to sit wherever they wanted with their attorneys in the green-carpeted Kiester Commons. Their mere presence kept five of the women from going before the judge.

“Every girl had the same reaction,” said one domestic violence victim who referred to herself as Jane.

“When it came your turn to go to court, we all said, 'I don't want to see him.'”

The Eagle is protecting Jane's identity, so she can share her experience on that day in autumn 2018.

This is an excerpt - pick up Sunday's Butler Eagle to read more of Jane's story along with our other articles about PFAs.