From Survivor To Advocate: How Kelly Sutliff Transformed Trauma Into Hope For Others
The transformation of Kelly Sutliff, from battered woman to licensed therapist and founder of her nonprofit organization, is an inspiring example of resilience and the human spirit. After surviving a traumatic and almost-fatal assault at the hands of her husband in 2019, Kelly not only rebuilt her life, but she also became a high-profile advocate for others suffering from abuse.
Now, through her counseling practice and a nonprofit, Kelly’s K9s, Tails of Courage, she helps survivors regain their sense of safety and independence with therapy and trained protection dogs. This article from The Guardian examines her case, why the justice system failed her, and how she is making a difference with her work.
‘A Living Nightmare Behind Closed Doors’: The Violence Kelly Married Into
In December 2019, Kelly Sutliff escaped from her New Jersey home, wearing an article of blood-soaked clothing following an assault by her husband, Chris. They were married just eight months before.
It had to do with her discovering his betrayal, and when she confronted him about it, it led to an hour-long brutal assault. Kelly fled to a neighbor’s house and called 911. While Chris was arrested, he spent the night in jail. The event altered Kelly’s life and inspired her mission to help others.
The Legal System Failed Kelly, But She Battled On
After the attack, Kelly was in the hospital for close to two months. Then, when she got home, Chris reportedly began to stalk and harass her. While he later pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and was placed on probation, Kelly said she felt let down by the criminal and family court systems.
She explained that she thought revictimized by the divorce process — one that Chris allegedly used as a way to control her further and hurt her. Her tale underscores a system that fails to keep survivors of domestic violence safe.
Therapy Work: Kelly Is A Licensed Counselor In Her Professional Life
Kelly Sutliff earned a master’s degree in Clinical Counseling from Fairleigh Dickinson University long before the attack. She had been working as a therapist, but now, she said, her experience of abuse had deepened her understanding of trauma.
Today, she is a practicing counselor in Morristown, N.J. She offers face-to-face and online therapy for those who are coping with trauma, relationship issues, depression, and anxiety. Her clients include survivors of abuse — people she can understand through experience.
Kelly’s K9s: A Sanctuary Created Out Of Survival
In 2020, Kelly acquired a trained protection dog named Stella, an idea born of the comfort and security Stella had given her. In 2024, Kelly started Kelly’s K9s, Tails of Courage, a nonprofit that provides protection dogs to domestic violence survivors.
The organization thoughtfully pairs dogs with survivors according to their safety requirements and lifestyles. The dogs, usually German Shepherds or Dobermans, are trained to be protective and provide emotional support. This personal method strengthens survivors as they rebuild their lives.
From Misery To The World Stage: Puff Shares Her Story With The World
Kelly decided to go public with her ordeal on the Investigation Discovery series, Toxic: Sleeping with a Stranger. In the episode, she talks about her experience being abused and manipulated, and how she fought back.
“They can no longer silence the truth,” she wrote on LinkedIn. The show provided a national soapbox from which to speak out on behalf of survivors and to reveal how easy it can be for abuse to remain hidden behind closed doors.
More Than Therapy: A Teacher And Guide
In addition to her therapy work, Kelly has been on adjunct faculty at Kean University and the College of Saint Elizabeth. She mentors young counselors, helping them become compassionate professionals.
Her work as an educator enables her to mold the next generation of therapists, who will begin their work with a framework that emphasizes empathy, trauma-informed care, and survivor-centered support.
Internet Activism And Online Presence
Kelly reaches out to others on social media, posting thoughts and resources for survivors. Her story is documented on her Instagram and TikTok, with her followers following her journey and seeing what healing can look like.
Through her platform, she reaches others who may feel alone and encourages them while reminding them that they are not invisible. These ventures have created a supportive online village and have broadened her audience beyond her local practice.
An External Struggle For Justice
Away from football, Kelly famously took on her former employer, the Clifton Board of Education, in a lawsuit for wrongful termination and discrimination. While the lawsuit was ultimately thrown out in 2023, it speaks to her ongoing battle with the systems she believes betrayed her. In courtrooms and therapy rooms, Kelly has continued to fight for what she views as fair and dignified treatment of herself and others.
The Legacy Of A Survivor: One Dog At A Time, One Session At A Time
Today, Kelly lives and works in Morristown, N.J., where she maintains a counseling practice and a nonprofit. Her work is very much based on her experience of going from victim to survivor to leader.
With plans to grow Kelly’s K9s nationwide, she wants to offer more survivors the protection, peace, and healing power. Her work is a testament to the fact that, even in the darkest times, people can find a purpose and light.
FAQs
Who is Kelly Sutliff?
Ms. Sutliff, a domestic abuse survivor, is a licensed counselor and also the founder of a nonprofit that supplies protection dogs to other fire survivors.
What about her husband, Chris?
He pleaded guilty to assault and was sentenced to three years of probation. “Ultimately, failed to protect me adequately,” Kelly said about the justice system.
What is Kelly’s K9s, Tails of Courage?
It’s a nonprofit organization that trains and delivers protection dogs to survivors of domestic violence so that they can take steps toward feeling secure and supported.
Where is Kelly now?
She now resides in Morristown, N.J., where she works and maintains a therapy practice and an organization.
How does Kelly use social media?
She uses social media, including Instagram and TikTok, to share her story, raise awareness, and support other survivors.
Final Words
Kelly Sutliff channeled personal pain into potent purpose. By speaking up, founding a nonprofit, and supporting others on the path to healing, she’s become a voice for those who’ve felt voiceless in the past.
Her story is not just about survival—it is a tale of growth and helping others do the same. Through therapy, advocacy, and the unconditional love of her dogs, Kelly shows us that hope and recovery are always possible.
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