'If you can go, go': Domestic violence survivor recounts horrific attack in Rochester
Rochester, N.Y. (WHAM) — Shaughnessey Denson says the scars that now cover her body fill her with anger.
Denson said she and Doyle Rucker filed for divorce and have been separated for four years — but Rucker asked if he could visit Denson and their three kids at her home on Mitchell Street Feb. 3.
BACKGROUND: Police: Rochester man stabbed wife 20 times; daughter also stabbed trying to stop attack
After Rucker spoke to the children for five minutes, according to Denson, he told them to go upstairs so he could speak to her alone.
"He started talking weird, saying weird things, so I asked him to leave," Denson said. "He said no, I tried to call the police, and that's when he pulled out the knife and started stabbing me."
Denson said adrenaline took over when their 14-year-old daughter tried to defend her. Rucker allegedly began to stab her as well.
"My first instinct was to save my baby, so I grabbed the knife and I said 'Run!' and she ran," said Denson, who was also able to escape.
Police later arrested Rucker, who was indicted on two counts of attempted murder and first- and second-degree assault.
Denson said she had multiple surgeries over two weeks — and even died on the operating table twice.
"I'm missing half of my lung," she said. "It was damaged to the point where it had to be removed. My spleen was removed. My hand — I'm going to physical therapy for my hand. I cut all the tendons and nerves in my hand."
Now at home recovering with her daughter, Denson is trying to heal, recover and spread awareness about domestic violence.
"My advice is if you can go, go" she said. "If you can get away, get away. You don't want to end up in a situation like this."
Anyone impacted by domestic violence in the Rochester area who is in need of help is encouraged to call the Willow Domestic Violence Center's 24-hour hotline at (585) 222-SAFE (7233).
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