Abuse Hides in the Dark. Turn on Your Light.

Kellie Jo Holly


  • Verbal Abuse Is The Driving Force in Abusive Relationships

    Verbal Abuse Is The Driving Force in Abusive Relationships

    Domestic abuse involves more than sexual and physical violence. It includes mental and emotional abuse at least and, whether obscure or obvious, verbal abuse in relationships is the core method of control for abusers. Verbal abuse is more than name calling, more than yelling. Verbal abuse is insidious and tricky, but very real. What is Verbal Abuse? Fortunately,…

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  • My Helpful Friend Is Really A Control Freak!

    My Helpful Friend Is Really A Control Freak!

    I have a friend who is as controlling as my ex, but in a different way. She comes to my new place calls my kid’s toys & clothing junk. She makes judgement calls on my other friends insisting that they are holding me back, but she is the one who won’t let me move forward! I feel…

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  • Honor Your Fear and Act

    Honor Your Fear and Act

    If you are afraid, there is a reason.  Explore it before you’re in imminent danger.  Even if your abuser has never laid a hand on you, if your intuition tells you something is going to happen, trust yourself. I’ve found two books that said that the best indicator of future domestic violence is the victim’s…

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  • Your Way To Get Out of an Abusive Relationship

    I’m struck by how similar our stories about abuse really are. We all immediately recognize facets of our own horrible relationship in someone else’s telling of theirs. But the answers to “How do I get out of an abusive relationship?” doesn’t seem to have as many commonalities except for the underlying feeling of… “…When [that event] happened, I…

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  • Mothers Separated From Children: One Way to Connect If The Abuser Wins Custody

    Mothers Separated From Children: One Way to Connect If The Abuser Wins Custody

    And if you do lose custody, “a study of cases brought to appeal showed reversals in the mothers’ favor when domestic violence was considered” (Daniel Saunders, PhD). So always appeal an initial horrible judgment, and find an attorney who is well-versed in domestic violence from the get go.

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  • Abuse Affects the Wise

    No one – no one – waits forever. Think good things for yourself because what you think becomes your reality. Dream big and plan flexibly. Envision a life without abuse and no, that life is not necessarily minus your current abuser.

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  • Letters About Abuse

    Letters About Abuse

    In the months after leaving my abusive husband, there was so much I wanted to explain to my boys! My oldest son’s anger was heavy and dense. I could reach out and touch my youngest son’s broken heart on his sleeve. I wanted so badly to explain my side of things…but I couldn’t.

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  • Anxiety From Domestic Abuse Is Tough To Deal With!

    Anxiety From Domestic Abuse Is Tough To Deal With!

    Anxiety is a big deal for abuse victims, past and present. Sometimes I still find my heart racing at sounds that remind me of my “old life” in my abusive marriage. Fortunately, now I recognize my anxiety instead of not feeling it. Anxiety was such a huge part of my life when I lived with…

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  • What Does “Recovery From Abuse” Mean To You?

    What Does “Recovery From Abuse” Mean To You?

    Some people think “recovery from abuse” means you’re able to hold quality relationships with family, friends and a new partner. Others consider recovery to mean they’ve reclaimed themselves, feel strong, and have their life back. Is the process of recovering from child abuse different from recovering from domestic abuse? Do you think recovery has an…

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  • Ending an Abusive Relationship

    Ending an Abusive Relationship

    Ending an abusive relationship begins by telling someone what you are going through. Don’t continue suffering in silence. Talk about it.

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