Domestic abuse, whether mental/emotional or physical, happens in all kinds of families, in all income brackets. It has neither preferences nor prejudices. It can happen to anyone – your next door neighbor, the pastor’s wife, your daughter, and even you.
It is a hidden reality that lurks in the silence of victims who have been intimidated and brainwashed into thinking that their lives are normal.
If your mate treats you in a way that makes you feel unworthy, insecure, threatened, or stupid, you shouldn’t excuse or deny those actions. You should seek help immediately. There are domestic abuse hotlines all over the country, manned by people who know what you are going through because they have heard it all before. You aren’t the only one.
If you know this is you, don’t read any further. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE).
If you think you may be in an abusive relationship but aren’t totally sure then spend some time asking yourself what your relationship is like. The following list covers some of the many abusive behaviors you might be dealing with.
- You often feel afraid of your partner.
- You wonder if you are crazy.
- You avoid certain subjects of conversation to keep your partner from getting angry.
- Your partner yells at you, humiliates you, and criticizes you.
- Blames you for their own abusive behavior.
- Your partner sees you as a sex object, and feels that you are subject to his sexual needs at all times.
- Your partner has threatened you in some way.
- Your partner threatens suicide or violence to others if you leave him.
- Your access to money, communication, or transportation limited – in other words he drives you where you need to go, he controls the checkbook and you are without your own money, or you don’t have access to the Internet or telephone.
If any of these statements are true, you need to call the phone number above and talk to a counselor. They can help. They can keep you, and any children you may have, safe. Ultimately they can keep you alive.
If you have walked away from an abusive relationship, could you just share a quick, encouraging word for those who are still in an abusive relationship in the comments below?
photo credit: Hang-in-there
