A Family Members Pain

I heard a story today that brought tears to my eyes. She said something very encouraging to me about my stance on violence against woman. She said that she could not be anymore proud of me for what I am doing to bring light to a common issue. She then told me a story I want to share with you. She said that she was a victim of domestic violence by her boyfriend when she was younger. She said the first year they were together was so amazing. It was fun and exciting and frankly the IT couple of their time! After that year, it all went down hill and it started off with small things like what she could or could not wear. Then comments that she was unattractive and no one wanted to be near her or even look at her. The mental abuse escalated and turned from bad to worse. Now, she was not allowed to go anywhere, our hang out with friends and even turned very physical. Behind closed doors, shaking, slapping and even punching began...then the abusive displays were in public...but no one helped. It's like everyone was scared of him. Years went by and all that time and energy was helping no one, but hurting her. She was embarrassed and scared to leave, and courage she did not have...until she finally fell madly in love with another man...a son she had together while in this relationship. She found courage in the son ,she had to leave a man that she knew if she stayed around long enough could, and might escalate to the abuse of their son. So she left him after 5 long years of abusive.....some people sometimes dont get this lucky, and never have the chance to leave. The trend was downward.. We need courage from somewhere...