Why They Stay Part 4

Abusive behavior is not acceptable. The abuse only gets worse and no matter what you do or say the abuser will not change. The video that you watched says it right out:

"You will be broke, but you won't be dead. It is not worth it to stay."

I cannot possible finish this story without offering other help to those in need, or to someone you may know who needs help. We all know you can go to the police, a hospital, a Dr. or a school to seek help. You may also have a church to go to. Most if not all states have agencies that deal with this issue. There are also battered women's shelters listed in your local phone directory. Groups like Al-Anon and Alcoholics Anonymous is another place to start. People who help others in any way will help you. Even if it is with a phone number to call.

IF you are in an emergency situation and you need to leave immediately call 911. The laws in your state will govern how the situation is handled. Most states have really clamped down on batterers so don't think that if you went down that road before and it did not help that the same thing will happen again. Get your injuries, bruises, documented by an authority. If your home was trashed take pictures. Keep a journal of dates, times, locations and injuries. Take photos of your injuries. They say more than your words could ever say.

This is a 24 hour Multilingual Hotline for HELP 1-888-888-7702

Here are links for HELP online:

http://www.ndvh.org/ 1-800-799-72331-800-787-3224TTY National Domestic Violence Hotline Anonymous and confidential

http://nyawc.org/?broad373&gclid=CIjMvoyPm50CFdVL5QodsHWt2Q NYAWC

www.rileycenter.org/domestic-violence-links.html

http://www.thesafespace.org/the-basics/relationships-101/about-domestic-violence/?gclid=CJG4uruOm50CFdFL5QodhDRA1A 1-866-331-9474Teen dating abuse hotline

http://www.centeragainstdv.org/?gclid=CJiY0d-Om50CFdFL5QodhDRA1A 1-718-439-1000Center Against DV

breakthecycle.org | thesafespace.org

These are just the first ones that popped up doing a search for "help domestic violence"

This is NOT a new problem. There is no need to be humiliated, or embarrassed. These are professionals who are trained to help you and they will. Please, please seek the assistance you need now, before it is too late. There is someone in your life who will really miss you if you don't. Blessings to all and God Speed.

 I am well aware this is a very unpleasant topic to discuss. It is possible to be a survivor of domestic violence. People survive but it is not easy or pleasant. Freedom is worth fighting for. Your life, and that of your children is worth fighting for. Without you they will most likely be with the abuser, especially if it is a parent. It is also a possibility that if you do not leave the abuse with your children, you may loose your children because you didn't leave. Then you are fighting two very serious issues instead of one with your children by your side.

You are not loosing a home, apt, belongings or material possessions. You are surviving and living towards a better, happier future for yourself and your children. Things can be replaced. It is possible for the authorities to help you retrieve your belongings but you may have to go without them in the meantime. Just remember you are NOT alone. It will be uncomfortable at first but you are out and you are alive. This makes you a survivor as long as you stay away from abusive situations. You CAN do it.