Truly, there are no words to express what you’ve endured. From one sister to another, one who has risen out of the damage caused by a non-physical but nonetheless violent partner, I fully understand your situation and devastating reality. The horrid destruction that results from non-physical domestic violence is unknown by society at large, and therefore, more often than not discredited.  I feel your acute pain with you, and acknowledge that your husband (or intimate partner) hurt you so badly, beyond comprehension and shocking belief. I extend my hand to yours in compassion with all the love I have in my heart. Plant it deep in your soul, especially if no one has ever validated you in the horrific violence you lived in and survived. Always remember, you are precious, brave, beautiful, intelligent, kind, and amazing!

We have at long last learned to take care of ourselves. We have learned how to say “no," and have faced the part in ourselves that allowed our abuser to hurt us. We have left the non-physical punches and back handed slaps, being shoved and pushed down to the ground. We possess full understanding in what is not generally understood- that we suffered years of being "hit" repeatedly. If those beatings had left visible marks, no one would want or expect us to stay. Herein lies the necessity of clearly defining the invisible forms of domestic violence. We know this violence intimately, and our stories are the very definition of non-physical violence.

 

We have countless fellow sisters who still live in non-physical violence. You and I have a wealth of information we can share and the roadmap out. We know the vehement words and actions that constitute non-physical violence because of our deep understanding and awareness. We know how to leave because we have done it. We have made the transition to depending on ourselves and after making our way to safety, discovered we possessed a herculaneum strength all along. 

 

I will be praying for you every day as you write your story. You don't have to be a professional writer to gift your life changing message of hope, the story lives in you! The integrity of your experience will tap your creative spirit as you put your raw journey into words. It will flow from you in your own unique personality and authenticity. I thank you in advance for being willing to share your story. In collaboration, our stories will have an exponential impact in encouragement and support, answers and solutions, as our many voices are unified to lead other women out of domestic violence. You my dear Sister are an inspiration!

 

With Love, 4 Hope and Healing, Health and Happiness,

Angie