V-Day

“You have to give to the world the thing that you want the most, in order to fix the broken parts inside you.” -Eve Ensler, author of the Vagina Monologues. 

I want to wish everyone a Happy Weekend of love, love between friends, between family, even between someone special. But we must also be aware of the dark side of unhealthy relationships. 

Domestic violence and abuse can happen to anyone, yet the problem is often overlooked, excused, or denied. This is especially true when the abuse is psychological, rather than physical. It has been three years this Valentine's Day since the man I chose to devote the rest of my life with abused me for the last time. This time of year has been difficult since then. 

Domestic abuse often escalates from threats and verbal abuse to violence.  And while physical injury may be the most obvious danger, the emotional and psychological consequences of domestic abuse are also severe. Emotionally abusive relationships can destroy your self-worth, lead to anxiety and depression, and make you feel helpless and alone. 

Noticing and acknowledging the signs of an abusive relationship is the first step to ending it. Domestic violence and abuse happens among heterosexual couples and in same-sex partnerships. It occurs within all age ranges, ethnic backgrounds, and economic levels. And while women are more commonly victimized, men are also abused—especially verbally and emotionally, although sometimes even physically as well. 

The bottom line is that abusive behavior is never acceptable, whether it’s coming from a man, a woman, a teenager, or an older adult. You deserve to feel valued, respected, and safe. No one should live in fear of the person they love. 

Now I can look back and I can say "he fucked me up pretty bad, but I had the strength to get through it, and it molded me into the woman I am today". I don't want anyone to go through what I went through. 

No one should have to endure this kind of pain—and your first step to breaking free is recognizing that your situation is abusive. Once you acknowledge the reality of the abusive situation, then you can get the help you need. 

http://www.helpguide.org/articles/abuse/help-for-abused-and-battered-women.htm