"Speaking Up"

“Maybe he didn’t mean to, or maybe it was a mistake,” he or she says. Well, I’m here to say. NO! It is not a mistake. Many men and women suffer in denial of being abused by their loved ones. They are constantly reminded that either the abuser is all they have, or that they have no way out of the abuse. Often, they feel this is how love is supposed to feel. This is why we should speak up to help those who can’t.

According to The National Domestic Violence Hotline, nearly 15% of women and 4% of men are injured by intimate partner violence (IPV). IPV includes rape, physical violence, stalking, or verbal abuse. Children as young as elementary age suffer from intimate relationships abuse with parents or siblings. Domestic violence can awaken fear that hinders the victims from speaking out. They are constantly manipulated into thinking this is what love is, and we as people should come together to help each other. This display of abuse can change lives for the worst.

Verbal abuse can damage a person’s personality, and also awaken fear in them. Many victims of abuse demonstrate low self-esteem. Even though we are taught to be strong and not let words affect us, when we are constantly broken down by the ones we care for the most. This can damage our character. This method of verbal abuse has a substantial impact on individuals.

Victims have been brain-washed to believe that it is a mutual understanding of their relationship. This causes the victims not to reach out for help from their peers, which puts their lives in greater danger. People have the idea that love is never-ending, and that you should take what comes with it, but is death the price someone should pay for love.

So why do we not speak up, and report who harm us or others? Is it because we feel as if we have no way out from the monsters who attack us every day, or is it because we are not encouraged by our peers? Without this encouragement what do we? Instead of hiding, or being in denial we should encourage victims.

Men, women, and children suffer from intimate partner abuse. Many of them are afraid to speak up for a number of reasons. If you or someone you know is in need of help, reach out to your local law enforcement, or call 1-800-799-7233. Let’s take a stand against abusers, and become the voice for victims.