Domestic Violence Takes Many Forms
Stories
Megan was a 21-year-old college student when she met a man and they started dating. “It began with him isolating me from my friends and family, even talking me into moving to a new state,” Megan explains. “Mental and verbal abuse was heavy after about 6 months.” Sixteen hours away from her hometown and support system, Megan was isolated when the physical abuse began.
As time went on, the abuse became more public. When people witnessed the abuse and didn’t help, Megan felt even more alone. Manipulation and controlling behavior continued as he would break up with her, then act extremely sweet to resume their relationship (often referred to as love bombing) – allowing others to view him as a doting, loving boyfriend. Ultimately the two-year relationship ended when he faked a suicide, which Megan says created “a very deep mental trauma of my responsibility in this toxic relationship.”
Megan wants the public to know that “domestic violence is not always a black eye or a broken bone. There are so many people suffering in silence from abuse that live right next door. We need to have the knowledge and courage to help.”
She reminds survivors, “Your past story (even the events of yesterday) doesn’t have to define who you are and how you choose to live your life from this moment forward. Anyone’s actions against you or your children do not reflect who you are as a person or a parent. You are a beautiful person who is more than capable of thriving without the person who hurt you.”
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Survivor Story
