Survivor Retreat Helped Heal My Shattered Heart
Every year Break The Silence Against Domestic Violence holds a Survivor Sister’s Retreat. During retreat we experience a variety of workshops and activities to educate, empower, and connect with each other. Here we encourage each other to step outside of our comfort zone to truly experience healing like never before, and experience a lifelong transformation alongside our survivor sisters.
With Six Kids to Care for, I Was Trapped
Elizabeth met a man who would eventually become her abuser when she was in high school. Over the years, they had six kids, which only strengthened his control over her. The physical and financial abuse kept Elizabeth and her children trapped. She had nowhere to go for help, and no way to financially provide for six kids on her own, so she stayed hoping it was the best way to protect and provide for her children.
I Got Out, But I Am Still Fighting For My Child
Linda saw the warning signs early in her relationship and left. However, when she learned she was pregnant she returned. For years he stayed at home while she worked multiple jobs to make ends meet, only to be abused day after day. Eventually Linda was able to leave, but it created a custody battle. A custody battle that she continues to fight to this day.
It Took 15 Years, But Now I Am Free
A lot of abuse victims put on a happy face in an effort to hidewhat really happens behind closed doors. Mary is no different. She was able to hide the abuse from those closest to her for 15 years. Although she knew it was wrong, and that she did not deserve it, Mary was made to believe that the abuse was somehow her fault.
I Still Have the Scars but I Will Always Wear Them with Pride
Criminal harassment, forcible confinement, assault, gaslighting, manipulation, psychological abuse are all terms that I had come across in my life. They were terms that I was familiar with on a need-to-know basis. As it turns out, I did not know enough about any of them until I somehow landed smack dab in the middle of it all.
“Surviving Silence: Escaping the Shadows of an Abusive Relationship”
I don’t have pictures of the times he strangled me, beat me with a metal tool, or tried to kill me. Nor do I have proof he pushed me into a closet or damaged my property. The time for being silent is over.
