I SURVIVED DOMESTIC VIOLENCEI spoke up. I chose to live. It was not easy. I made it.

• Sometimes the abused feel as if they are to blame. Some return because of children/feelings of abandoning the family unit, feelings of guilt, lack of support, threats/fear, economic reality/lack of resources, religious beliefs/cultural pressure, LOVE AND PROMISES OF CHANGE. There are many reasons people return to their abusive situation. Some abused have no one to turn to, no one to talk to, or nowhere to run. Every abused person wants out, sometimes they just do not know how to leave or where to run.

ON AVERAGE, A PERSON WILL RETURN TO THEIR ABUSER SEVEN TIMES!!!!

When is enough really enough? What is enough to you? Will you know the signs of violence?

What do you do whenviolence happens to you?

Will you stay in a violent relationship?What defines violence?

Can you stop the violence once it begins?

Violence can happen to anyone.Know what you stand for and whatYou are willing to deal with. No oneShould stand for getting beat.

Love is not guilty. Love is peaceful. Love is patient. Love is kind.

www.womenthrive.org/ www.joyfulheartfoundation.org/www.safehorizon.org/domviolence.

www.clarkprosecutor.org/html/domviol/what.htm

www.thehotline.org/ www.ncadv.org

There are many websites and organizations dedicated to stopping violence. There are manyPlaces victims may receive help. If you have an emergency DO NOT WAIT TO CALL 9-1-1.If you are scared of where you are or who you are with, find a way out. SEEK HELP. I survived The beatings and I still returned to my abuser. Finally, enough was enough and I called the Police who helped me leave. I went to the court house and got an emergency protectiveOrder. There are many churches who help families in these situations. The path of leaving anAbusive relationship may not be easy. Leaving someone who hurts you will give you peace.I felt as if I lost love when I left, but I only found what love truly is. I got out, will you?

www.domesticviolence.org/

Being beat is not the only way to control a relationship. Some abuser use words to kill a person. Killing a person inside is just as bad as death. A person who is dead inside is already dead.

There are ways to fight in a healthy manner.Every relationship has their own problems, but the waysYou deal with these problems should not hurt either party.Fight fair or do not fight at all. If you feel as if you have to Fight then what you need is a counselor, a doctor, seekTreatment.

64% of female victims are victims of DV

4% of male victims are victims of DV

These statistics are for victims who spoke out

Love is encompassed by happiness and security.Love strengthens you, it does not become strongWhen you are weak. Love is pure and does notBash you with words nor by fists. Love is beautyAnd makes you feel beautiful. Love is not a drag.When you feel weak then it is not love weighingYou down. Love does not break you, people do.If you are being pushed around and not being Comforted, you are not in love. If your partnerGains joy in your tears, this is not love. If sorry beginsTo feel like the same sad song, you do not have love.

If you notice any of these warning signs in any relationship, seek advice. Get help before it is too late.

If you know someone or if you are someone who is being violated and hurt, tell someone, anyone!Hiding this pain will only bring you more hurt. If you have been beat once, it will not be the last time.There are many places that help rid a person of such violence. Being scared is okay, being ashamed Is normal! However, do not let this guilt deny you of your freedom and your personal happiness. YouMay go to sleep one night and not wake up the next. I have been hurt and returned to the situation. Leaving a bad situation does not make you weak, RETURNING DOES!

Forgive you may, but do not stay