October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, but those who have lived through are aware of it 24/7/365. The awareness can manifest in many different ways such as emotional and physical scars, fear, insecurity, and even financially. Some have to leave everything behind, yes everything, physical possessions, friends, and family to get safe.
I am grateful I got out. I was in an abusive marriage for just over 2 years, but it has altered my life forever. My awareness shows up in my insecurities about my self worth and the safety of my family including myself. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t look over my shoulder to make sure X is not around. (It has been over 10 years since I last saw him.) Many of my nights are filled with nightmares of events that happened or of X finding my oldest daughter or me.
While I was going through it I stayed silent. I thought it would keep me safe, but I was slowly dying inside. I was afraid of X killing me as he often threatened. I was ashamed of the marriage I had. I felt isolated and alone. I don’t want anyone else to have to feel that way. And yes I know I have no control over that. But what I do have control over is what I do with the experiences I have had.
I have chosen to break the silence and take a stand. I have chosen to take my daily awareness of domestic violence public and share my story. I choose to let my voice be heard and give a voice to those who stand silent.
Domestic violence sees no gender, no sexuality, no race and/or no religion. Domestic violence exists in the shadows behind closed doors. Each story is different, but one thing stands the same; NO ONE DESERVES IT! There is no justification, no excuse and no quick fix.
I acknowledge all who have live through Domestic Violence and abuse in any form. I acknowledge your sorrows, your pain, your fears, your joys, your triumphs and most importantly I acknowledge you and the life you are living. Take a stand, break the silence and bring awareness to Domestic Violence. You never know when it may save a life.
Beyond Abuse Essential Healing 