Survivor Story: Enduring Over Six Years of Mental Abuse Broke Her Down
Written by: Melinda, Survivor Like man survivors, Melinda has been asked why she stayed. There is never a simple answer, because, for many of us, there are often several circumstances that lead us to stay with an abuser. Survivor Melinda shares with us how more than six years of mental and physical abuse affected her […]
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 Made Her Feel Unvalued and Unloved
Submitted by: Anna, Survivor Forgiveness is a personal choice that survivors of domestic violence make based on their circumstances. Some may feel that it is an integral part of their healing process, while others believe that it is unnecessary. Survivor Anna shares with us her story of abuse and the difficult process of forgiveness, not […]
Survivor Story: Her Friends and Family Convinced Her That She Deserved Better
Submitted by: Isabel, Survivor Abusers often condition their victims to believe that no one would ever love or want them. They also use small doses of affection that give their partner false hopes that the relationship will work out. Combined with gaslighting, control, and intimidation, it is an effective way to make the abused partner […]
Survivor Story: After Serving a Lenient Sentence, Her Abuser Tried to Contact Her
Submitted by: *Sherrie, Survivor Calling the police as a victim of domestic violence can be a terrifying experience. Some may fear retaliation from their abuser or a response of indifference on the part of law enforcement. Still, others may have an abuser who is in law enforcement themselves or has friends and family working in […]
