Abuse defined as a noun (according to Google) means the improper use of something; cruel, violent treatment of a person or animal; or insulting and offensive language.
Abuse is not always physical; it can be emotional and even mental. I hope whoever reads this never experiences any type of abuse, but if you clicked on the link to this article, you're probably at least curious as to what is to be said on this topic of abuse. Some people take it as a joke and others don't know how to deal with a situation pertaining abuse. I can admit that I wouldn't know what to do either, but I would hope that I would step in if I ever saw someone being abused. It is a serious topic and one that everyone should want to fix through education and prevention.
I hope organizations like the One Love Foundation are here to stay permanently. I wish it didn't take a woman's life for people to realize how scary this is, and how close to home things can hit. If you haven't completed the One Love workshop, I highly encourage you to do it; it is a little tough to sit through but I promise you every second is worth it. Personally, completing the workshop was eye opening. I recognize more signs now and it made it a little easier to open up about my experience.
To anyone who has ever been abused, I am so sorry. I have been in your shoes, emotionally. You do not deserve anything that monster ever said to you or made you feel. You are not worthless, you are not less than anybody. You are beautiful; guy, girl, transgender, whoever you are. You do not deserve anything less than perfect. I know it's easy to blame yourself for everything that comes your way, I know it's easy to make excuses for your significant other. It's easy to blame yourself, but you shouldn't. I know that is 1000% easier said than done, but It is never your fault. No one should ever make another human being feel so low about themselves. You do not deserve to be hit by someone else. You don't deserve it and I hope one day you can believe that too. I promise opening up about your relationship, past or present, really really helps. I couldn't see how toxic it was until I was on the outside looking in. It takes a lot to open up, but you will feel so much better.
If you're interested in learning more, here is the link to the One Love foundation: http://www.joinonelove.org/
If you need someone to talk to, please look at this website: http://www.thehotline.org/ (1-800-799-7233 || 1-800-787-3224 TTY )
I promise you're not alone.
