Survivor Story: She Didn’t Know There Were Advocates Who Could Help Her Leave Her Abuser
Written by: *Brenda, Survivor Growing up, Brenda was not taught about red flags that could alert her to an abusive or toxic relationship. She interpreted some things that happened early in the relationship as normal; in reality, they were subtle indications of control. Survivor Brenda shares with us how the control escalated over time into […]
Survivor Story: Drawing a Line Between Love and Abuse
Submitted By: Cassandra, Survivor It is not always easy to spot red flags that manifest in abusive relationships. Often, the beginning of the relationship is deceptively peaceful and loving, as the abuser wears the persona they need to draw their victim in. Rarely in the early stages of the relationship does an abuser show their […]
Survivor Story: Her Abuser Threatened Her Children with Foster Care and Death
Written By: *Jackie, Survivor Domestic violence has far-reaching effects on all family members living in a home where abuse occurs. Growing up in a home with abuse increases a child’s risk of harm in several ways. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, between 30 – 60% of abusers will also abuse the children who […]
Survivor Story: A Survivor Shares a Letter to Her Abuser
Submitted by: BTSASDV Survivor Writing letters that we will never send can help us process the hurt and trauma of past experiences. It can help us make sense of things that we struggle to understand. Survivors of trauma can also benefit from writing down our feelings or telling others how what they did affected us […]
Survivor Story: Her Abuser Broke Her Ribs Because She Would Not Give Him Money
Submitted By: Erica, Survivor Even without additional stressors, domestic violence tends to escalate over time as the abuser becomes more controlling and usurps power in the relationship. When drug or alcohol is added to the mix, it becomes more dangerous. Survivor Erica briefly shares with us how the abuse escalated and what happened the night […]
Survivor Story: Trying to Co-Parent with Her Abuser Delayed Healing
Submitted by: Bonnie, Survivor As survivors of domestic violence know, healing from abuse is a lifelong journey that can be filled with countless obstacles. Survivors who have exited abusive relationships or marriages with children often find themselves struggling to co-parent with an abuser who exploits divorce and custody situations, thereby continuing to cause emotional trauma […]
