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True life violence at home
True life: One young person's brave decision to escape domestic violence.
I'm not the kind of person that usually tends to talk about how they feel or what’s on their mind. In fact, I'm quite good at pretending there’s nothing wrong with me at all. It’s always been something that people have said is a bad thing - the fact that I don’t like the feeling that people are analysing me (even though, ironically, I'm a Virgo and by nature I analyse everything). Yet the following is something that contradicts everything I believe in and goes against my comfort levels. It’s something I need to say.
Not too long ago, I came out to my Dad. He's never had an easy relationship with me and although we are related there is no bond there at all. My history with him has always been like a ship at sea. It’s been violent, turbulent and at best it’s been dangerous. Yet no matter how much progress we seem to make, and no matter how many steps we take to become closer to one another, we only get further apart.
Today, he attacked me for the last time. It’s not something I'm going to report to the police as I feel that it will only cause more trouble, but I fought back. This wasn’t the first time that the man, who is 6 foot tall, stocky and a terrible alcoholic, has come home under the influence of cocaine and raised his fist to me while I'm alone. But it was definitely the last. The worst injury I've gotten from it was a bruised chest, God knows what I managed to do back to him but I didn’t stick around to check.
It’s made me open my eyes a bit more. It’s hardened me up. It’s re-built those walls that took so long to knock down. It’s shattered many things, yet solidified others. I'm doing my best to stay strong, to not be a victim, and yet it’s left a horrible little thought in my head: What if my story never ends with a happy ever after?
I've already taken initiative and removed myself from the house, moving into a new place on Friday. I was lucky to land on my feet with that one. It'll be hard, but I am determined to get through this. It will make me more determined to rise out of the shit that I seemed to have landed myself in.
So keep safe and stay strong.
By: Anonymous
Find out about physical abuse and how to get support: http://www.spunout.ie/health/Relationships/Abuse/Physical-abuse
You can find your own happy ending with the support of others. Support organisations that can help:
Amen PHONE: 046 23718
Provides a confidential helpline, a support service and information for male victims of domestic abuse.
Aoibhneas HELPLINE PHONE: 01-8670701
Provide facilities, professional help and support. The helpline offers a free professional counselling service to women and men who are suffering from violence in the home.
Women's Aid FREEPHONE: 1800 341 900
Web: www.womensaid.ie
The Women's Aid National Freephone Helpline offers confidential information, advice, support and understanding to women who are being physically, sexually or mentally abused in their own homes. The Helpline also acts as a referral to refugees, counselling services, solicitors, legal aid and other agencies (both statutory and voluntary), which are helpful to women experiencing abuse within a relationship.
Find more information on support organisations: www.spunout.ie/health/Healthy-mind/Find-help/Need-help-now
This article is part of the SpunOut.ie true life stories section – a space for young people to share their experiences of tough times and encourage others to seek help. This story is just one person's experience and it may be different for you. Remember that no matter what you are going through, there is help and support available. See the Find help section for more information: http://www.spunout.ie/help/
