Its a long, slow descent to terror.
Domestic violence is on the rise in North Central Florida and across the state.
In the first half of 2010-- domestic violence murders increased by 5.8%.
She was an army specialist for six years, but one woman says, physical strength didn't help her get out of a relationship that almost cost her life.

"I prayed God, if you get me through tonight, you won't have to worry about this ever again, and I left, and I never went back," said Gladys Wright, a detective for the Gainesville Police Department, and survivor of an abusive relationship.

Wright now heads the domestic violence unit with detective Bruce Ferris.

"Once an offender for domestic violence has been arrested, and at first appearance, they are ordered by a judge to have 'no contact' and to maintain an alternate residence" said Wright.

On Thursday, Wright and her team checked 28 "no contact" cases.

Many of her knocks go unanswered, but for those that don't, Wright says, she can relate to the women on the other side.

"You're embarrassed already, and you don't want people to be like, she's stupid, she keeps going back. I don't want a person to feel like that, I've been there, I know how hard it is, I know its a struggle," said Wright.