Sea Girl

People think of domestic abuse as something that does not often happen. However, the numbers are growing and there is an increase in this kind of abuse. Whether it is financial or emotional abuse, it is a bigger problem for all to see. However, many are afraid to come forward, or leave there partners. With cuts to services it is not surprising to hear this and many struggle to get help from outside organisations. Having experienced this twice, I would say that it is a struggle. I would of had to have left my cats in foster care, as I would of been unable to have them in refuge. This is not good for many who have animals, more should be invested in helping those in need to get out, having refuge centres that are animal friendly for a start would be good. But it is the cost of this and the difficulty in arranging. There has also been an increasing in LGBTQ abuse that is often hidden and not spoken about. It is a big problem, in the LGBTQ community. More could be done to help women and men come forward and for there to be less shame associated with this. Society does not often focus on survivors, but we are more placed as victims to some event that occured. My own family still blame me for what happened with my ex, even though it was not my fault. They say that I used him etc and I am at fault. I did not know he had issues, to me he was a stranger, who caught me at a very vulnerable time and was able to manipulate me as a result. I did not know his past, or why he did not have full access to his child. They lie easily and do not often tell the truth, these abusers. It often stems from childhood and its as we copy our relationships from our own parents. It is about breaking the toxic cycle, however difficult this may be. As we have to be strong and educate others for the sake of the next generation. After this experience, I am always suspicious of new people, even my on off boyfriend. I thought was a narcissist and accused him all of all sorts. But all he was was shy and he is on the autism spectrum. He has forgiven me for my crazy things that i would accuse him of. I guess I was afraid that he would hurt me? Less is focused on the effects of CPTSD and how they often make us down and the not sleeping, due to anxiety and overthinking. People need to be educated in this to help inform others.

SM 12.2.22