Comments for Child Abuse Story From Liz

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Feb 19, 2008
 You ARE worthy...
by: Darlene Barriere - Webmaster

You didn't deserve any of what happened to you, Liz. And you certainly weren't to blame. I'm delighted that you now realize that.

You were right to protect your daughter from further witnessing the abuse you suffered at the hands of your husband, Liz. To a child, witnessing domestic violence is one of the most horrible forms of emotional child abuse there is.

Witnessing a parent abusing the other parent makes the child feel helpless and powerless. Witnessing abuse terrorizes children; they watch on helplessly as their whole world and all they hold dear shatters and disintegrates before their eyes. They are forced to choose which parent to side with; a choice a child should never be forced to make. They blame themselves for the abuse they are witnessing, because that's what children do. They truly believe they are the ones to blame when Daddy hits Mommy, or when Mommy hits Daddy. Telling them otherwise doesn't change the way they interpret what is happening. They are placed in a parenting role, a role they are not equipped to handle. Dysfunctional gender roles become imprinted as they witness what is considered acceptable male and female behaviour in the home.

Then there's the never-ending list of physical and mental effects: anxiety, sleeping and eating disorders, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, chronic unexplained medical conditions, self-harming, depression, bi-polar disorder, the list goes on.

You have much to be proud of, Liz. You've definitely earned that pride, as a child abuse survivor and as a protective mother.

And yes, your story will indeed help many other child abuse survivors. Thank you for sharing.

Darlene Barriere
Violence & Abuse Prevention Educator
Author: On My Own Terms, A Memoir
Feb 21, 2008
 sorry
by: Anonymous

hey girl,

im sorry 2 read what had happened to you throughout your childhood and on into your adulthood. it is disgusting what those people have done to you and they should pay.

have you told the police what happened? have gone to therapy?

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