I'm writing to you as a woman fresh out of an abusive relationship. Verbal and physical abuse in the worst, and continuous forms. I'm writing to heal myself, but also because I've discovered how little support there is from the court system and how little people understand about abuse. I have lost friends and been alienated from family because of the abuse I suffered. Yes, I was an educated, and many people would say I was stupid and should have known better. But, I until you are in the middle of it, you cannit comprehend the damage and disability it does to a person.

We are all human. We want love and companionship. My story, as I tell it, is not unique. Unfortunately, it is common and most times untold. It is embarrassing. But, hopefully, it willtake power away from the perpetratorsbof the abuse and someone will be brave enough yo stand up for themself or others. You are not alone.