Self Defense and My Decision to Leave an Abusive Relationship: Part Two

During my self-defense class, we were given statistics and information on how important it is to protect ourselves. After class, I began researching statistics myself, and this Web site caught my eye.

I was shocked to learn that almost all violence reported is most often from women attacked by an intimate.

Speaking as a survivor of domestic violence, I know firsthand that when you come from a life of constantly being put down and told you are no good, it's hard to believe you can do anything. You are conditioned to think that you aren't a smart woman that can accomplish anything. At the time I married, I was almost 21, and he swept me off my feet.

After our first child, he started changing and before long, I had been married fifteen years and did not know who I was. All I knew was that I was not happy being in a relationship where I felt no more a loving wife then I did a loving mom.
I was at the point of hating to see him and rejoiced when he went to work. When I got to the point where I was contemplating suicide, I knew it was time to get out, and I did.

There was some reason I was born and I had to find out why? You may ask, have I? I am beginning to. Thru writing articles that show others especially women that they are not alone, I feel like I am helping others.

According to an article, "Domestic violence is the leading cause of injuries to women 15 to 44, more then auto accidents, muggings and cancer deaths combined."

Women are valued members of society and have fought for independence for a very long time, but to get it back after having it taken away from us without our consent by some man, is a very long haul but we can do it and we should do it! Another is thru the help and support of our friends. However, one very important way is by taking self-defense classes. So please find some where in your area that teaches self defense classes. If your in the Kansas City area, here is the web site for the woman and her organization that hosted the one I attended. www.CROWtraing.com

There are also several good books out there. One of them is being The Jill Principle by Michele Germain. It's a woman's guide to healing your spirit after divorce or breakup. I am far from healed but combined with reading this book, and a lot of patience from friends, and counseling with a very good woman. I am beginning to get back the woman I used to be. And you know what she was/is awesome. So, in conclusion- don't ever feel like you are alone. Because you aren't!