NICOLE:
The Lie
“I was with a man I thought truly loved me. He would never physically harm me.”
The Truth
“I started showing up to work with bruises.”
At first, it was just emotional abuse. I thought: “He says mean and hurtful things to me, but I should be understanding because he has had several brain surgeries and is so stressed. He would never physically harm me.” I accepted his emotional abuse because I’d known him for 10 years, and I knew he didn’t have family. I didn’t want him to be alone.
When the physical abuse began, I thought: “He hits me, but I should forget about it. Each time, he is so sorry and says he will never hit me again.”
I thought I needed to stop making him angry. When he accused me of cheating, I would just let him rant and curse at me. I was certain he would feel better if I didn’t confront him.
I started showing up to work with bruises, and customers would confront me. They asked me: “Do you want to die? Do you want someone to tell your kids you were killed by him? Imagine how your kids would handle that!”
The last time he hit me, I was able to get away and he was arrested, but I still didn’t think I could live without the man I loved so dearly. Now, 2 years later and with help from a good friend and her family, my kids and I are much happier. I’m a better person and mother.
Quotes
When the physical abuse began, I thought: “He hits me, but I should forget about it. Each time, he is so sorry and says he will never hit me again.”
I accepted his emotional abuse because I’d known him for 10 years and I knew he didn’t have family. I didn’t want him to be alone.
When the physical abuse began, I said: He hits me, but I should forgive him. He is so sorry & says he will never hit me again. #DefyTheLie
