I’m writing this post for anyone who is in an abusive relationship to encourage you that there is help and a way out, for those who aren’t aware of the resourses available through domestic violence services.

I was in a situation in the past that I didn’t know how to get out of, at times that felt I was ready to leave. I would try to leave many times until I finally got the proper help that I needed to make a better, safer life for my children and myself. For those who can relate, leaving can be difficult for many different reasons. Many times the only places to go are places that the abuser would expect you to go.

Many times safety is sought through family and friends. Abusers know that, and usually won’t make it easy. Often a person doesn’t want to include their loved ones out of fear or shame. Sometimes people are even rejected by family members or friends.

It is common for an abuser to make the person that they are trying to control finanically and otherwise dependant on them. This can also make some people feel that they will never make it without the abuser, or have the finaces to ever leave.

Some people stay in abusive situations due to moral reasons. There are many people who do not want to break up their families, they want to try to make it work. I am not trying to change anyone’s morals or beliefs, but for those who face this as a challenge, I would say that physically getting away from an abuser, even if you just try it temporarily, can change a person’s perspective on many things, as abusers will even at times try to control a person’s thoughts and feelings.

I would like to encourage anyone who is in a damaging relationship to call The National Domestic Violence Hotline, to at least talk to someone. The people there can help direct those seeking help find things such as legal services, protective shelter, housing, and counseling, along with many other resources. The numbers that I got from Google for them are: 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224. God bless, and take care.