Something is wrong with your relationship. You know it. Could it be emotional abuse? Maybe. Here is a blog that can help you decide this. If it is emotional abuse, what now? You could just walk out the door. Some people do that, but most make an effort to improve the...
I have a daughter whose first word was "no". At the time, it rather startled me. My other kids' first words were "dada" and "ball". For this daughter, saying "no" as her first word was prophetic. Of all my kids, she is the one with the best boundaries. What does...
I am taking a theology class at my local seminary. In it, we are learning how to correctly interpret the bible. I thought I would pass along some of what I am learning. When we read the bible, how literally should we take it? For example, are women still supposed to...
I recently saw a blog outlining a Pastor's response to an abuse victim's request for help. His response infuriated me! I am sure my blood pressure went up about 20 points. Today I would like to share the original request for help, the pastor's response, and my...
Have you ever received a letter from your abuser where he* makes every promise you ever wanted to hear? Suddenly, your decision to leave him seems the most stupid and selfish move you have ever made. This was my experience. I was married for 20 years to an abuser. The...
I recently read a great article on DrugRehab.com that highlighted the link between domestic violence and substance abuse. Some people believe that an abuser using drugs or alcohol causes domestic violence. This is not true. Taking drugs and alcohol does not cause...
I highly recommend professional counseling for those who have suffered any kind of abuse whether in childhood or from an intimate partner. Sometimes people feel like failures if they seek professional counseling. It is a sign of weakness, isn't it? Wrong! In my...
***Trigger Warning*** On May 17, I took a webinar hosted by the National Coalition of Domestic Violence (NCADV) entitled "Prosecuting Domestic Violence Cases: Efforts to Balance Serving Society and Survivors within a Multidisciplinary Team Framework." This webinar was...
If you have been following me for very long, you know that I often share contemporary songs in my blogs that have meaning to me. Today, I would like to share "The Lion and the Lamb" by Big Daddy Weave.* The chorus of this song has been stuck in my mind for days: Our...
When planning to escape an abuser, there are many things to consider. Where will I live? What will I eat? Will I be able to find a job? What will happen to my kids? Contacting your local domestic violence center to create a safety plan is the best thing you can do...
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