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Survivor Response
I am a survivor of domestic violence. For 15 years, I suffered abuse from my husband . . . I dated my husband for several years before I actually married him. During the years that we dated, he never showed any signs of being a batterer . . . I always dreamed of life being like those in the fairy tales, Nancy Drew books, or like the families of the kids I went to school with. My husband intimidated me and isolated me from my family and friends. It was so subtle – just like the devil. Before I knew it, I was in a downward spiral of destruction that almost killed my spirit. He would threaten me, blame me, strip me financially, and assault me verbally, physically, sexually, and mentally. But God heals that which the devil seeks to destroy.
God is Jehovah Jirah he will provide
God is Jehovah Rophe the Lord who heals
And I know for sure that God is Jehovah Shalom the God of peace.
Survivor Charlotte, NC
Survivor Response
Yes, there are warning signs. Somewhere between the third and sixth months of my abusive relationship, I asked a therapist whether certain behavior coupled with the circumstances of his childhood could mean that my significant other was a potential abuser. So I saw the signs, but since I only identified him as possibly a potential abuser, I thought – or maybe hoped – that he only needed an attitude adjustment. Since he and I both were in substance-abuse recovery programs, I thought that “working the program” would bring about that adjustment . . . would bring about change.
Survivor Charlotte, NC
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