The Lie: “He never hit me, so it can’t be abuse.”

September 14, 2016

 

SARAH:

The Lie

“He never hit me, so it can’t be abuse.”

The Truth

“Abuse isn’t just about physical violence. It’s about power and control.”

Honestly…I wish he had hit me. Maybe then it wouldn’t have taken me so long to recognize the abuse for what it really was.

But he never hit me… he didn’t have to.  He could control me perfectly well by his looks, his words, his behavior, and plain-out fear.  I never knew how he would react – sometimes: explosive anger, sometimes cold silence, sometimes sad puppy-dog eyes meant to make me feel like I had hurt him.

It worked.  I was afraid. I was terrified of doing anything that might make him angry, but even my best was never good enough.  I felt like a captive, a prisoner.  I was afraid he would kill me. I had lost my identity and had no idea who I was anymore.  I thought that maybe I was going crazy.

Then one day, I Googled the term “emotional abuse.” What I read online blew me away.  These websites described my life.  I started reading everything I could find on the subject of emotional abuse, verbal abuse, mental abuse, psychological abuse, gas lighting, sexual abuse, domestic abuse (especially in “Christian” marriages), and complex-PTSD.  I wasn’t crazy.  My body was responding normally to an abnormal situation.  I also realized that abuse also isn’t about how many bruises or broken bones you have.  Abuse is about control.

Even though couldn’t deny reality, I didn’t want to admit that’s where we had ended up.  I felt guilty, grieved, embarrassed, depressed, hopeless, weak, scared, and very alone.

But, one thing I knew for sure – we couldn’t live like this anymore: it wasn’t healthy for him, for me, or for our kids.  With support and a safety plan, I confronted him about the abuse.  He denied it.  He apologized with tears.  Not long after, he moved out.  He got “counseling” and wanted to move back in.  But unfortunately he hadn’t changed.  We are currently going through a divorce.

I couldn’t have done this on my own.  Tangible support and the healing journey for me has and still is coming in the form of trained counselors (thank you, Safe Harbor!), my new church family, real friends, enjoying my children, my faith, and lots of hiking.

It has been over two years since he left.  Most days I am living free from the distorted version of reality I had endured for more than two decades.

Emotional/psychological abuse is soul-rape.  It is destructive.  But there is support, hope, and healing.  You can live again.

Quotes:

“He never hit me… he didn’t have to.  He could control me perfectly well by his looks, his words, his behavior, and plain-out fear.  I never knew how he would react – sometimes: explosive anger, sometimes cold silence, sometimes sad puppy-dog eyes meant to make me feel like I had hurt him.”

“Emotional/psychological abuse is soul-rape.  It is destructive.  But there is support, hope, and healing.  You can live again.”

I am a survivor of domestic abuse.


“I didn’t know that I was being abused because...

I am a survivor of domestic abuse.


“I didn’t know that I was being abused because my definition of abuse looked different. My husband pushed me, but most of my suffering was verbal and psychological. I left my husband to protect our young daughter. Almost immediately I felt the weight of his oppression begin to lift. I could see a difference in my daughter as well. Then he broke into my home and assaulted me in-front of her.

I sought help and was led to Safe Harbor. My daughter and I are in counseling now. I am sorting out the mess that abuse has caused. I am finding my voice and seeking opportunities to grow and better my life as well as my daughter's. She will gauge her self-worth from my own self-worth. I must show her that she deserves the best, by expecting the best for myself.

Many years I suffered in silence. By telling my story and being honest with friends and family, I am taking control of my life again.”

- Beth

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