Domestic Abuse – It Can Happen to Anyone

The results of a survey conducted in California in October, 2012, during Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, indicates that 98% of residence now believe that domestic abuse can happen to anyone.  This is the first time of which I am aware that people are recognizing that abuse does cross all demographic lines and is not just [...]

Abuse Under the Influence

For as long as I can remember, I have been of the belief that there is a definite relationship between abuse and the use of alcohol or drugs or whatever is the substance of the day. I am not saying that substances cause abuse but I do believe that most abusive behavior grows in dimension [...]

Inside the Mind of A Domestic Abuse Survivor

I am not who you think I am.  If you know that I am a domestic abuse survivor, you most likely think that I am weak and stupid for getting myself into such a situation in the first place and for staying as long as I did.  Most likely, you view me as a victim, [...]

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

I just learned yesterday that October has been designated as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  This started my thinking about this major epidemic that seems to be growing worldwide and what I might be able to do in order to help to find a solution to this problem.  And after hours of pondering this matter, I [...]

Jury Duty for Abuse Survivors

I have been summoned to jury duty in a criminal court tomorrow and I must say that I am deeply disturbed by this.  I am one who takes my civic duty very seriously so I never considered not going.  However, I know that I would never be able to actually serve on a jury that [...]

If You Know Abuse…

…then this message is for you.  I do not remember any time in the past that I have heard so many stories about abuse that angered me.  My anger is not at the abusers this time however but for those who are being or have been abused.  The idea that we are “survivors” is no [...]

Domestic Abuse and Substance Abuse

As I read more and more stories about domestic abuse and talk to more and more people who are domestic abuse survivors or currently living in an abusive situation, I have found a common factor in all of them and that is that the abuser also abuses one or more substances.  Now, I am not [...]

Domestic Abuse Can End in Death

Everyone’s story of abuse is as individual as the people involved.  However, when I read a story this week titled “Domestic Abuse Can End in Death”, I found a number of similarities to my own past and I wanted to share that story by Alexis Bechman with you.  For some reason, those who are not [...]

End the Silence on Domestic Violence

I recently came across the above-referenced season-long campaign against Domestic Violence that has been undertaken by Dr. Phil McGraw on his “Dr. Phil” television show and whether you are a fan of Dr. Phil, or not, this show and his website at DrPhil.com are way too important for anyone to miss.  This is not just another “let’s [...]

Domestic Abuse Hurts

I recently received the attached letter from a reader who chose to share her story with me in response to my request to share your stories as a way to help others.  As I read it, there were so many things with which I could identify and I now understand that while her sharing was [...]

Next Page »