We just have to remember to be strong...

I am a 41 year old spousal abuse/rape survivor. I was with the abuse for 18 years and had 3 children with him and one daughter from a previous relationship, and they were also all abused. I think you finally come to a point where you know in your heart and mind that it is time to get out or DIE. Everyone has theri own "BREAKING POINT" and you will know when that happens. Mine came when coming home form work early one night on the graveyard shift and finding my husband in bed with a 16 year old baby sitter. He beat me because I came home early. The only thing that saved my life that night was a coworker called to make sure I made it home alright because I was so ill. She heard me screaming in the background and HE pulled the phone line out of the wall. She called 911 and sent the sheriff out. I really do believe I would have died that night if she hadn't called the police. That was my "breaking point". I moved out with my kids and never went back. It has ! been 7 years and I am still afraid of him. I have a no contact restraining order and that does seem to help but the nightmares and flashbacks still get me sometimes. I am now married to a wonderful man who does his best to deal with my MOODS and all the excess baggage that goes with an abuse survivor. It does get better with time, it just never goes totally away. We just have to remember to be strong and be there for each other, to comfort, to cry, to advise, to listen and most of all to understand.

~~~ 41, United States, If we stand together and stand strong we can someday defeat the abuse.

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