MY INTRODUCTION

Domestic violence - the words alone bring about many different types of emotions - fear, shame, doubt, loneliness, dread, depression, just to mention a few.  Amazingly, these words are associated with the victim of domestic violence.  Heck, the abuser is feeling all the power and control, feeling like he or she is on top of the world that they have the ability to bring someone to their knees with just one evil glance.  In reality, the abusers are the weakest individuals and they want to prevent the victim from regaining their own power.

Even if we are raised with parent(s) who encourage and teach us to be strong and stand up for ourselves, it is not impossible to fall into the cycle of domestic violence.  As any man or woman enters into a normal relationship, no one does so looking for a controlling person.  Many times we hear someone say "I would never be with someone like that" or "why do they stay with that person?" or "why don't they just get up and leave?".  Those are legitimate questions.  However, there is no easy answer for them.  The cycle of domestic violence is complex.

As I recall my experience with domestic violence throughout the late 80's and much of the 90's, it is much easier to look back and see why I stayed and understand why it took me so long to get myself out.  The reason why I am writing this blog is to help others who are caught in this hindering cycle we call domestic violence.  Hopefully, as I relay my own experiences, it will help someone find the courage and strength within themselves to end that cycle.