Show your support for NO MORE domestic violence and sexual assault
I say no more because I believe that every women is entitled to freedom while being in a relationship, as well as other forms of contact with people. I am a survivor of domestic violence. I dont know how much further to take this, but when I was 17 I met an older man and ended up having 2 children with him. He was very maniuplating, controlling, deceiving, and would take all of my financial resources for drugs and alcohol with force and violence. He was very verbally abusive and it shattered me into pieces, which left my self-esteem very low. He created a barrier between contact with all my close loved ones; whether they were family members, high school buddies, or local familiar friendships. I was very scared. He deprived me of contact with police and would tell lies about me and make me appear to be a criminal which I was not, I was arrested on numerous occasions because of his lies. He was also a cheater. I dont think that any women deserves this kind of life. I was blessed to speak the truth to the NYPD about my abuse story and was lucky to have a second chance at life. I went to counseling with therapists and continued my journey on as a single mother since age 21. My son is now 10 years old and my daughter is now 12 years old, and honestly? Things can only get better from here. I am not the same naive girl I was when I was with him. My kids are doing well with their educations, we have proper resources, I hold up a steady job and everything is secure. If I can make it, so can you! Yes times get very difficult and you will feel lonely, you will feel like no one can relate to you, you will feel worthless and unattractive, you will feel like giving up- but if you can find your purpose that keeps your feet on the ground and you are getting proper help- you will meet many supportive people, but most importantly dont forget to use the examples you were shown so that you can grow from it. Be better, not bitter. Try not to fall under the abusers category and you will excel and succeed each day. I find that small goals like smiling and laughter is the best medicine, staying away from alcohol and drugs, staying away from negative people and toxic people is also very important. That is why I am the mother and women I am today and God keeps blessing me and my children. Amen. Deborah
