Signs of Being Abused
Articles on line. Read the book by Barbara Engel called The Emotionally Abusive Relationship.
Kathy’s Story
Fear, Confusion, Numbness
3 years of crazy-making behavior.
Leaving in fear of saying the wrong thing would set him off.
I was called names like “Bitch” or “Fucking Nag” if I ever mentioned my concern about our relationship. Everything was always my fault. He was unable to admit any responsibility. I had a counselor the first year of our relationship and she advised me, “Remain aware of his control issues and not to lose myself.”
I still do some things that are for me, but he moved us to a place out of town, away from my friends. I even followed this man 1,400 miles to look for work. During this entire period, he remained married, going through a divorce. I stayed by his side forever faithful.
- Faithful through the name calling
- Faithful through all the times he told me to get the Fuck out
- Faithful through all his unemployment challenges
- Faithful through all the accusations
- Faithful through all silence.
No one would even know there was trouble. They would see the smiles in public.
But I am living in a very dark place.
Currently, trying to get a place of my own. I moved here because of him. I sold my furniture, and took a job paying half of what I was making. Therefore, I am having extreme difficulties trying to secure an apartment for me.
I have no living relatives. He was my only family. During all this crazy-making behavior he continued to neglect me more and more as time goes on. No phone calls, no loving gestures.
He would ignore me and my needs. When I asked him to hold me that I needed him that day, he would respond, “Well I needed you this morning, but…” Again this is my fault.
This cross is too heavy for me to bear.
Today, I am breaking the silence.
Signed, Faithfully