In a powerful courtroom moment this month in Baton Rouge, a woman who survived a brutal attack faced her abuser and said, “I am a domestic violence survivor, but I’m not a victim. I’m a victor.” It was a rare chance for survivors to speak their truth directly to the person who hurt them.
The Attack and the Court Case
Willie Williams, 63, pleaded guilty on May 4 to aggravated battery after severely attacking his longtime girlfriend. The horrifying incident happened while she was in his car—he beat her and then ran over her when she fell out. Originally charged with attempted second-degree murder, Williams pleaded down to a felony battery charge.
The survivor, walking with a cane, told the court that before the attack, she had a healthy, happy life. She trusted Williams and followed a daily routine of walking and jogging ten miles.
Life After the Attack
Now, her life has completely changed. She attends physical and emotional therapy several times a week. “My doctors say this is my new normal,” she explained. “With all the metal in my body, the depression, the PTSD—I have to learn to live with it.”
She underwent multiple surgeries to rebuild her neck, spine, and leg, followed by more surgeries to treat infections. Screws and rods now permanently hold her bones in place. At one point, doctors even warned she might never walk again.
Despite the pain and challenges, she said, “I have to deal with it, in spite of the ridicule and shame. I didn’t ask for this, and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.” She thanked the medical staff at Our Lady of the Lake and the victim advocates at the District Attorney’s Office for their support.
Her recovery journey moved her from being bedridden to using a wheelchair, then a walker, and finally a cane. Every day is difficult, with pain, sudden headaches, and even losing friends. “Nobody knows what I go through except my son and my caregiver,” she said.
Finding Strength to Speak Out
While at the Iris Domestic Violence Center, she decided to confront Williams and share her story. Seeing the news of the murder of Patricia Jackson, a nurse killed by her estranged partner, reminded her how close she came to a similar fate. “I’m thankful I refused to give up when my doctor said I might never walk again,” she said.
The abuse happened after a night out on May 19, 2024, at Jagg’s Classic Corner. The couple had a verbal fight in the car. Williams began hitting her and forced her out of the vehicle. She tried to call 911, but he took her phone and threw it away. She fell under the car’s wheels, leaving a trail of blood and a missing shoe.
Inspiring Other Survivors
The survivor now hopes her story will inspire other women to seek help. She wants them to know they shouldn’t let fear, shame, or financial struggles keep them with someone who abuses them. She plans to host an event for survivors this October during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month to share her story and support others.
Her courage shows that even after unimaginable trauma, it’s possible to survive, heal, and reclaim your life.
