Quote:
Originally Posted by OTW
I never thought of it that way. Thanks for pointing that out.
At that time I was very active with a church Youth Group. One of the lay pastors (who just happened to be a friend's mom) saw and noticed the signs. She was in an abusive relationship with her ex-husband. She shared her experience, strength, and hope with me, never telling me what I should or shouldn't do.
She was there to listen when I vented or was scared. The abuse started with "small" stuff. Over a period of time (about a year and a half, I want to say) I realized my value. Call it an "awakening," I don't know. I'm not too big on religion, but I do consider myself spiritual. By the grace of my Higher Power, I decided I had had enough. He hit me for the last time as we were in the car, traveling on the highway. I had severe swelling on my thigh and leg area. After deciding that enough was enough and being willing to cooperate with authorities, I sought the help of my friend's mother. She called my mom, and the three of us went to the police.
Charges were filed, but because of "highly influential" (READ: wealthy and pillars of society) parents, he got a slap on the wrist. I was living on another island at this time just in case he decided to retaliate.
He was in another relationship after me, and that produced a son. I consider myself lucky. The mother of his child also became a victim, and he broke her collarbone. He did jail time for this one.
For a long time I was ashamed to tell anyone about what happened. Today I am ready and willing to be open about it, especially if it can help other women in similar situations.
I owe my life to that lady, and maybe one day I can be there for another woman just like she was there for me.
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Firstly, thank you.
Secondly, most pastorates are trained for a few hours on mental health and some seek mental health outreach before they get a church.
Lastly, that person, whom is called a man used money to bide his time, but it still did not diminish his mentality at the time, because as he did it to you, he soon did it to another... That is USUALLY the case--call it standard operating procedure for this kind of crime. Most victims of domestic violence have "cryptic wounds" that are hidden from everyone's site UNTIL a "RESPONSIBLE AUTHORITY" does a kit--like rape kit.
I feel so sorry you had to endure than kind of pain. Remember, there is the right to freedom of the press in this country... He had no right to make you feel this way and hurt to no end. And believe me, other women he did this to feel the same way.
Remember, you are
NOT alone in this kind of pain, humiliation and suffering...
We are here for you whenever you need us...
