Drea Kelly, ex-wife of R.Kelly, empowers victims of domestic violence in Raleigh

Drea Kelly is a survivor.

She survived an abusive relationship with R&B artist R. Kelly.

"It is going to be the hardest thing to leave. It is even harder to stay away," said Kelly "That is mentally staying away by keeping the shame and the guilt."

Kelly spoke to those at the Victory Lap Domestic Violence and Homelessness Awareness Brunch.

While there, she shared that when leaving an abusive relationship it is critical to have a plan and a support system.

“We live in a world where women are told to just leave. If you only knew what it took to just leave," said Kelly. "Where am I getting the first month's last month's rent? A deposit, moving truck and a job?”

One woman who attended the brunch shared her thoughts after Kelly’s speech.

"No matter what you go through in this life you can survive it," the woman said. "You can survive it."

Kelly's former husband R.Kelly has been convicted of sex crimes against others and sentenced to 30 years in prison.