Seventeen-year-old Sophia Putney-Wilcox from Kalamazoo, Michigan, endured a horrific attack by her ex-boyfriend, Adam Shigwadja. Sophia met Adam when she was 14, and their relationship quickly turned controlling and abusive. Despite the warning signs, Sophia stayed with him until she discovered he was cheating on her. She ended the relationship but sought additional protection through a personal protection order, which was denied by Circuit Judge Alexander C. Lipsey. Soon after, Adam broke into Sophia's home, assaulted her with a knife, and set her room on fire.
Sophia's brother, Kiely, came to her rescue and fought off Adam. Sophia suffered injuries but survived the attack. Adam was later found guilty of assault, home invasion, and arson, and he was sentenced to nearly 30 years in prison. Sophia, now determined to help others, shared her story and encouraged victims of domestic abuse to seek help.
Sophia's mother, Kristin, acknowledged that she wasn't aware of the abuse until it was too late, emphasizing the fear and threats that keep victims silent. Sophia urged other girls to realize their worth and seek better treatment. Despite the lasting impact of the ordeal, Sophia has become stronger and more confident. She wants every person to know that they deserve better and should not tolerate abuse.
In summary, Sophia Putney-Wilcox survived a violent attack by her ex-boyfriend, highlighting the dangers of domestic abuse. Her request for a protection order was denied, leading to the horrifying assault. However, her resilience and determination have empowered her to share her story and support others who may be suffering from similar situations.
