Domestic Abuse – #JusJoJan 2018

I want to thank everyone who read my “She” series written for Linda’s #JusJoJan 2018 Challenge. I want to thank all my fellow bloggers who provided the very timely prompts that allowed me to write the series. It was a true story.

I want to make a comment to end the series on domestic abuse. If you are in a relationship where there is domestic abuse, whether you are a male or female victim, there is help out there for you. You may feel helpless and hopeless, but you are not. The first thing that you have to think about is your safety because small incidences of verbal or emotional abuse can quickly turn to physical abuse. Even if the abuse remains verbal or emotional, it is terribly damaging to you in ways that may not show up until later in your life. It will affect your sense of self-worth and your ability to move on to other relationships. It will affect your perception of the opposite sex for the rest of your life and not in a good way.

All that I can say to you is GET OUT of the relationship. You may be thinking that you can’t get out because of children, money, or the emotional ties that bind. I repeat, GET OUT. Your children should not be witnessing this kind of abuse. Emotionally, you will start to feel stronger the moment you walk away even though the pain will be devastating for a while. If you feel like you will have no money, you absolutely will. If you are married, file for divorce with the help of a good attorney. Your spouse will have to provide maintenance for you and a settlement. Get yourself in a position where you can support yourself. You cannot depend on an abusive spouse.

Here is a resources for you:

National Domestic Violence Hotline:  1-800-799-7233

This organization will usually be able to direct you to a short-term shelter in your area.

Best of luck to you and remember….You are worth more than any abuser!