Welcome to 2020!
As a survivor of domestic violence, it is sometimes difficult to think about new beginnings. As we enter in to a new decade, the messages that are out there now are that this is the time that we can start over. That we can just erase away the last decade or more of our lives and in 2020 boom, all will be well with our lives.
If you are living in a dream world, this may be in your dreams. But let’s look at what life really looks like as a person that is in a domestic violence relationship.
The good the bad and the ugly are still a part of your life. Just because the calendar changed dates to January, 2020 does not mean that you miraculously have a relationship that is rid of domestic violence.
Please let me say that it is possible to begin a new life free of domestic violence. I did not say it would be easy. There will be daily challenges. But as a survivor of domestic violence, I can tell you that you can begin 2020 without domestic violence.
At Reach Out Speak Out our first concerns are your safety. There is a safe way to leave your abuser safely. Contact us for more information ReachOutSpeakOut.org or mail us at [email protected].
If you are tired of being abused by your partner whether it is emotional, mental, physical, or financial, please know that God does not want you to be in this situation.
Ephesians 4:32: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Remember that forgiving someone does not mean that you accept the abuse you are receiving from that person. It simply means that you (yourself) can learn to forgive the person that is harming you. It does not mean that you stay in the relationship that is harmful.
Are you ready to take that first step? The first step is the hardest to take. You may not leave your abuser this week or this month. But please, take a step. Consider a safety plan and do one thing each week. Speak to someone at Reach Out Speak Out. Talk to a friend or a church/community leader. Do you have children in this relationship? It is imperative that you do not allow them to think that the way you are being treated is okay. They will grow up not knowing that domestic violence is wrong. They will continue the chain of domestic violence. Make 2020 the year that will be free of domestic violence!
ReachOutSpeakOut.org
[email protected]
501(3)(C) 47-1630804