Survivor Story: She Hoped the Abuse Would End Once She Had His Child
Submitted by: Jamie, Survivor For many victims of intimate partner violence, abuse can begin or escalate once they learn they are pregnant with their abuser’s child. This puts both the mother and unborn child at risk for serious injury. Others may see the onset of abuse once the child is born, with the abuser blaming […]
Survivor Story: Questions We Have Before Leaving an Abuser
Submitted by: Joanna When we reach the point where we are ready to leave an abuser, we are often weighed down with fear, confusion, and sadness. Our abusers have conditioned us to believe that we are not worth better, that no one will believe us if we disclose the abuse, and that no one will […]
Survivor Story: Her Husband Held a Gun to Her Head in Front of Their Children
Submitted by: Carla*, Survivor Each year, one out of every three adolescents experiences some form of abuse at the hand of their partner. Only one third of those teens ever reveal to anyone that they are being abused. Many of these teens go on to marry, putting the victim at greater risk of escalation of […]
Survivor Story: Abuse is Everyone’s Problem
Submitted by: Rick, Survivor Any form of abuse, regardless of the type, has far-reaching consequences for the children subjected to it. Research shows that trauma impacts not only mental and emotional health but causes physical changes to the brain as well. Consequently, abused children are at higher risk of illness, behavioral problems, and impaired development […]
Survivor Story: After Leaving an Abusive Marriage, This Survivor Has Rebuilt Her Life
Submitted by: Christina, Survivor Those who have not been abused often ask survivors of domestic violence why they stay so long. While each survivor may have different reasons, they are all valid. Survivor Christina shares how the abuse began – and escalated – after marrying her high school sweetheart, her reasons for staying, how she […]
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 […]
