Radmilla Cody, former Miss Navajo Nation, says she was beaten, humiliated and threatened with weapons by a former boyfriend. But she kept going back to him even after friends questioned the abusive relationship.

"It's easier said then done," Cody said at a domestic violence conference, The Gallup Independent reported. "It's when we're ready, when we've finally had enough. It took my incarceration for me to finally look into myself as a women and relearn (my) value and knowing I'm a worthwhile human being."

Cody spent 21 months in prison for taking part in a drug-running scheme involving her ex-boyfriend. She pleaded guilty to knowing of a crime but not reporting it and authorities said he initially lied about her involvement.

Cody said she is now sharing her story in hopes of helping other victims of domestic violence. "If this man was willing to hit me in front of my own grandmother, I'm going to take him serious when he tells me 'I'm going to come after you and your family if you ever cross me'," she was quoted as saying.

Get the Story:
Tears & Fears (The Gallup Independent 10/27)

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Former Miss Navajo Nation released from prison (09/14)
Cody set to report to federal prison (1/3)
Begaye says Cody was a role model (12/13)
Convicted Cody: I lied to the people (12/12)
Shirley urges support for convicted Cody (12/11)
Miss Navajo Nation sentenced (12/10)