When “cold feet” are not “cold feet”
Over the years, many women have said to me that on their wedding day they knew they were making a huge mistake. Societal pressure to go ahead with the wedding once the invitations have been sent is huge. Some women confide in a friend or family member about their fears but are often told they just have “cold feet”. With the women I work with, after the wedding, they discover that their partners are abusive. This is usually not clear before marriage but still some women know marriage is a mistake. However, they are discouraged from hearing this inner prompting once they are engaged. If women could be encouraged by friends and family to listen to their gut (or inner voice) instead of disregarding it, women could be spared a lot of pain and heartache.
Allison’s Story
We begin our book with one woman’s story. “Allison” is not this woman’s real name,…
Planning for Safety
How can I plan ahead? It may be difficult to plan for the future. Part…
The Cycle of Abuse
Is there a pattern? Most women, living with an abusive partner, find it hard to…
How do I heal from the abuse?
Each woman’s journey to wholeness and safety, after the devastating experience of abuse, is unique,…
Is there something wrong with me?
In order to keep yourself (and your children) safe emotionally and physically safe, you’ve had…
What about my children?
Will my children grow up to be abusive? If your children witness your partner’s abuse,…
Why does my partner hurt me?
No doubt you have spent a lot of time and energy trying to figure out…
Am I experiencing abuse?
Many women find it hard to imagine that they are being abused by their partners.…