Need some advice here.....

Originally Posted by AKA_Monet

The point of discussing this with paid professionals is to provide a paper trail--something on record so that when she is ready to help herself it is not out of nowhere.

I never thought of it that way. Thanks for pointing that out.

It must have been tough for you to triumph over something so dehumanizing that eventually made you who you are. How ever did you get yourself out of that hole?

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.