Last night it was my privilege to be a part of a panel discussion on the topic of Toxic Relationships. Next to me sat a beautiful, accomplished young woman who was known and respected by the audience. As she sat quietly appearing completely composed, I could feel the nervous energy pouring off her. When it was her time to speak, she took a deep breath and for the next fifteen minutes shared the gut-wrenching story of the horrific emotional and physical abuse she suffered during her first marriage.
As I looked across her peer group in the audience, I could see the stunned look on their faces. Many obviously had no idea the hell this young woman had survived. But there was something else I saw among those faces and it broke my heart. I watched the shadows of understanding flash across the faces of several in this group of professional young women.
She was not the only survivor in the room.
She ended her message by giving credit for her life to a friend who recognized the signs of abuse and acted – insisting not only that she flee the relationship but giving her the permission and a path to make it happen.
We all need those kinds of friends. We all need to be that kind of friend.
Abuse is no respecter of person or position. Abuse exists at every income level, in every ethnic group, every religious background, every educational level and at any age. Abuse is a trap that wraps itself around the victim ensnaring them not just physically but emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
If you SUSPECT someone you know is being abused, get involved. If you are not sure what to do, how to help or how to evaluate what you think you are seeing, call a hotline and ask.
For anonymous, confidential help available 24/7, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) now.
For those of you reading this who are victims of abuse, get help, get help, get help.
If you were abused as a child and are still struggling in developing healthy relationships, get help, get help, get help.
You are not alone!
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Watch for my upcoming blog series on boundaries and on toxic attitudes!
Blessings,
Lyn
Renew Marriage Ministries 