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.
Survivor Story: Forgiving Myself Was Part of My Journey
Submitted by: Tracy, Survivor The path out of an abusive relationship is long and filled with obstacles that survivors must overcome during their journeys to heal. Understanding the severity of what one has escaped while reliving memories of abuse and battling through the trauma, guilt, and shame take their toll. On top of this, many […]
Survivor Story: I Knew It Was Time to Leave When I Considered Suicide After 18 Years of Abuse
Submitted by: *Mandy, Survivor Whether we are in an abusive relationship for a relatively short time or many years, developing depression and considering suicide as an option to end our suffering are painful realities many of us face. It is estimated that approximately 23% of survivors of intimate partner violence attempt suicide. This is disproportionately […]
Survivor Story: Her Abuser Uses Custody of Their Son to Control and Manipulate Her
Submitted by: *Ashley, survivor Leaving an abusive relationship is the most dangerous time for a victim of domestic violence. The risks of leaving include many retaliatory behaviors such as assaults, hostage and kidnapping situations, stalking, and fatality. These risks extend far beyond the members of the household and include the victim, children, pets, their friends […]
Survivor Story: I Did Not Want My Daughters to Come from a Broken Home
Submitted by: Melissa, Survivor As a survivor of domestic violence, coming forward to share one’s story is not always easy. Doing so is a personal decision that each of us must make when we feel we are ready to open ourselves up and be vulnerable. Melissa shares with us what motivated her to leave her […]
Survivor Story: Poem – Till Death Do Us Part
Poem Written by: Carmelitta, Survivor ‘For better or worse,’ she recited the vows; she got herself in but almost didn’t get out. The bruises she wore from her face to her feet. In silence she stayed; she just tried to keep peace. Pregnant – and still wore the pain on her face – even as […]
