Abuse Hides in the Dark. Turn on Your Light.

Domestic Violence with Children


  • Amanda’s Story of Abuse

    Amanda’s Story of Abuse

    Amanda’s Signs of Being Abused I always knew I was different. I was one of six children in the house, and I was the only one ever being hurt. Amanda’s Emotional Signs of Abuse Unworthiness, Disgust, Anger Amanda’s Story of Abuse Ever since I was a wee child I had it. Bruises, scars, blood, it all…

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  • Trophy Wife – Foretells the Story of Abuse

    When I drew her, I thought she was the water giving life to the flowers. I now know that water symbolically represents emotions and she is drowning in emotions that have nowhere to go. That vase is solid. It’s not going to spill or break. There is no outlet for what she feels. There’s no…

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  • Why Did It Take Me So Long to Leave My Abusive Marriage?

    Why Did It Take Me So Long to Leave My Abusive Marriage?

    HealthyPlace.com interviewed me about leaving an abusive marriage yesterday. It is now almost a year after I left my abuser, but before our divorce is final. I have some issues with the interview, and I’m not certain I delivered my message as clearly as I wanted. I want to use this post to clear up…

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  • Bouncy Ball

    Abusive relationships begin with promise as do all new relationships. But abusive relationships turn one partner into a prisoner.

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  • Leaving But Not Yet Free

    Leaving But Not Yet Free

    He and I have children together. I am connected to him for the rest of my life, through them. Although our vows to love, honor and cherish fell by the wayside, “for better or worse, ’til death do we part” holds strong. Some promises can’t be taken back. I wish I could say I was all right with…

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  • Secrets Worth Keeping

    Secrets Worth Keeping

    When I started this blog, I was an open book. I told it ALL, and it felt wonderful to unload. Will desperately wanted me to shut up, to forget about it, to stop telling “lies”. I knew I couldn’t stop telling my truth. Spilling those secrets was the best thing I ever did for myself because…

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  • No Wishbones for Me

    No Wishbones for Me

    A facebook friend posted this quote: “Never grow a wishbone, daughter, where your backbone ought to be.” Good advice. But I think my wishbone is coming back. Or maybe it just never left. I think I am foolish for wishing what I wish. My wish is the same as the day I started this blog:…

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  • The Boys & The Abuser as Primary Custodian

    The Boys & The Abuser as Primary Custodian

    I am SO HAPPY to have my boys with me right now. Will is “primary” parent right now, but he allowed me to bring the boys home with me last night and they will stay with me through Sunday. Will swears we’ll do the same cycle over again until we get back into court on…

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  • There is No Good God – Primary Custody to Abusive Husband

    There is No Good God – Primary Custody to Abusive Husband

    I hope God’s absence in my heart means that he’s present with Eddie and Marc. I hope God curled up in bed beside Eddie tonight to whisper my I love yous.

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  • I Was Happy at Times but Couldn’t Notice It

    I Was Happy at Times but Couldn’t Notice It

    I experienced these small instances of happiness, but then I quickly let them fade as I chose to tend to the pain, confusion, and sense of merely living through the day. Maybe now, because I know the pain is constantly ready to surface, I am more willing to let the good feelings wash over and…

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