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How well do you know your friends home life?
Would you know if your good friend or close co-worker lived in fear every day?
SheKnows shared a story about #WomensLives and one fact startled me:
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| photo credit: www.alliancedomesticviolenceshelter.org |
One in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime.
Most domestic violence cases are never reported to the police. These woman live in fear and shame, but they are no different than any of us. Having lived in fear myself, I understand that it is not easy to speak up about or see that things can change without worse harm to themselves or worse, their children. These woman are not weak.
Some may not even realize they are being abused. They may think their treatment is not bad enough to be considered abuse if they don’t have black eyes or broken bones or they think they somehow deserved it. But, being pushed or physically handled in any aggressive way is abuse. There’s also mental abuse that can do just as much damage, sometimes more so.
What is abuse?
The HelpGuide says “The most telling sign is fear of your partner.
If you feel like you have to walk on eggshells around your partner—constantly watching what you say and do in order to avoid a blow-up—chances are your relationship is unhealthy and abusive. Other signs that you may be in an abusive relationship include a partner who belittles you or tries to control you, and feelings of self-loathing, helplessness, and desperation.”
10 common signs of abuse per the Joyful Heart foundation
There is help
If you or someone you love is in an abusive relationship, get help.
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This is such an important article. I have a friend in an abusive relationship, and it is so difficult–there's no easy way out for her. Thanks for sharing about this important issue.
It's sad but true when your being abused you do become a pro at hiding it and you start to believe your own lies. Most women stay in abusive relationships because they think the abuser will change or they have children and afraid their children may be taken away. Some abusers threaten their spouses into staying by using their children as pawns . I am glad you got out of your situation I understand it all too well!!!
I cannot imagine any woman having to deal with this. What man hurts a woman?
Thank you for sharing this post. I know that many women don't speak about their abuse for fear of getting hurt more from their abuser. People need to know that they aren't alone and that the abuse isn't their fault. This is such an important topic.
What a great post! More people both men and women need to know that there is help out there! http://www.dnbustersplace.com
Such a scary topic. I actually had a friend who went through this and I went above and beyond my normal rules and went straight to her parents. Praise God that she got out safely and now has a blessed life! 🙂 We have to go with our gut and be strong to stand for those who can't.
This is a great resources for anyone in need of it. You are a strong woman.