Survivors of Domestic Violence

Happy May!! As I was going about my day, I was reminded that many things occur when you are a victim of abuse and when you are a survivor. I like the word survivor because that means you have made it through the storm. When you are a victim, you are learning. Learning what not to do, learning what you should do, what you think you should be doing, but most of all learning that what is happening is not normal and feels wrong.

When you are a survivor you are using what you learned to enhance and change your life. Learning what you never want to do again, what you never want to feel again and learning what feels normal, good and what you want to feel for the rest of your life.

Children are usually involved and are victims/survivors too, adding to your challenges. Always remember that they need support, guidance and most of all help to deal and manage their lives. When a child loses a parent due to domestic disputes, it is a loss for them and very scary. They will fear losing both parents and be left alone. They also MUST be given a voice. Children are usually dragged through the process that parents are dealing with, which strips them of their childhood and their ability to "choose" what they want to do and which parent they'd like to do it with.

All said and done, remember.... you are strong, capable and in charge of your life. From this point forward no one makes decisions for you and your children.... except you... !