A gem from the Gems page.
The survivors of abuse have been my greatest educators; if we could hear their voices much more, and the voices of the abusers and their allies much less, the world would move rapidly to eliminate the chronic mistreatment that so many women currently face in their intimate relationships.
(from Why Does He DO That? [Affiliate link] by Lundy Bancroft, page ix)
***IMPORTANT NOTE: While we endorse Lundy’s writings about the dynamics of domestic abuse, we do not recommend anyone attend the “healing retreats” Lundy Bancroft offers or become involved in his “Peak Living Network”. See our post, ACFJ Does Not Recommend Lundy Bancroft’s Retreats or His New Peak Living Network for more about our concerns.
***
A Cry For Justice 
And to think life this side of eternity is but the blink of an eye, living under the oppression of evil our short time here on earth should be our wake-up call to seek an abuse-free environment, and to flourish and thrive and breathe in fresh new air. Abusers seek to destroy the liveliness we used to have before the crushing weight of their evil. The best way to ‘beat’ them is to not allow them victory in their deceptive and evil schemes. I went back for a short time just a few months ago – what a fool I was!! I literally needed to be physically rescued. It was a temporary setback but the best part is, it was total validation for me that I am not crazy and I am now ready to face my pending divorce! I am truly free!
Oh golly! I’m so glad you are safe again!
I had noticed you were not commenting on the blog.
My heart went into my mouth when I read your comment. But God is good; you have been rescued. And you know now for sure for sure that you are not crazy and you are doing absolutely the right thing in divorcing that man.
Barbara, I went to see him (not to return to live) because he led me to believe he needed a heart procedure; was all grossly exaggerated and even if he was truthful, (which he never is) what was I thinking!?! His plea to try again worked on me and so in a odd kind of way my visit gave me FULL assurance this man practices evil and has NO desire to change, none at all. He is threatening to divorce me for abandonment, so I am waiting for those papers. Yes, God IS good and I have been rescued AGAIN and never to return lest I go against His will for my life. Free indeed!!
Yes. I agree. The voices of the survivors are the greatest educators. People can argue with research and statistics, but it’s more difficult to ignore the stories of those who have been there.
YES!
…and learning is an ongoing process.