Comments for Relationship Violence Story From Stephanie H

May 19, 2009

Part 1 of 3: Give yourself the credit you are due...
by: Darlene Barriere - Webmaster

Stephanie, it sounds as though you have a family you can now lean on for support. You need that in your life, and so does your daughter. But as you already know, they can't live your life for you; you must do that for yourself.

What encourages me the most about you, Stephanie, is that you are a willing student. You are prepared to accept that you made mistakes and that there were—ARE—people in your family who were and are trying to help you make better choices. That tells me that you are taking responsibility for your own actions. But don't for one second think that that somehow puts you at fault for the abuse. It doesn't! Fault lies solely on the shoulders of the abuser. Abuse is NEVER EVER the fault of the victim. Always remember that.

Stephanie, be proud of yourself for realizing that this "boy" was bad news and for getting yourself out of the relationship before he did you or your daughter serious injury. Getting out was the first loving thing you did for yourself. Give yourself credit for that. Try not to beat yourself up for staying with him; focus instead on making healthy choices for yourself in the future. You didn't—DON?T— deserve to be mistreated in any way by anyone. EVER.

I am concerned that you are in a relationship right now. Take things slow. Give yourself time to understand more about why you made the decisions you did when you did. Yes, you were young; but there was more than that at play. If you can recognize what it was about this boy and his ways that made you attracted to him in the first place, what is was in your own life that was missing, perhaps from your own childhood, then you can work on resolving not to make those mistakes again. If you can understand what in your own life was lacking, then you can work toward fulfilling it for yourself, without a boyfriend. Healing and understanding your own self is key to ensuring you chose wisely the next time. And not just for yourself anymore, Stephanie, but for the sake of your precious little girl. Because every decision you now make for you affects her too.

If at all possible, consider some form of counselling. And keep telling yourself that you are worthy and deserving of love and of dignity and respect. Because you ARE, dear. You really are.

See Part 2 of 3: Abuse awareness programs... below.

Darlene Barriere: author. speaker. survivor. coach.

Darlene Barriere
Webmaster: www.child-abuse-effects.com
author. speaker. survivor. coach
Talk Before Touching^® Series

May 19, 2009

Part 2 of 3: Abuse awareness programs...
by: Darlene Barriere - Webmaster

Stephanie, there is the Canadian Red Cross RespectED Program, a program that teaches about abuse and abuse awareness. I've taken the series of courses myself. But it will cost you upwards of $1000 to take the basic course, which deals primarily with child abuse. Then you can opt for more training with regard to bullying and harassment, relationship violence, and violence in sports; each of which you will have to pay for separately.

If you go this route, you would have to make a commitment to the Canadian Red Cross (CRC): You would be required to become certified to go into the schools and facilitate presentations on each of the topics you were trained for. In the past, CRC required a 2-year commitment from its facilitators. And while you would likely want to present on relationship violence, there are two things that might make you less willing: One, you would have to become certified in child abuse first, and only then would you be permitted to become certified for relationship violence. Two, the program is templated, scripted to a certain degree. You would not be permitted to use your own personal experience to speak to the students. That might not work for what you really want to do. But as long as you know what's expected, perhaps the program is something you'd be interested in.

Another option: Try contacting your local women's shelter or crisis centre. They might know of organizations in your area that you could link up with.

Stephanie, it is admirable that you want to become more of an advocate. That you want to use your own experience to help others. It means you want to turn your pain into power. I so commend you for that. Thank you for sharing your story (and your aspirations) with my visitors and me.

See Part 3 of 3: Regarding the inclusion of personal information... below.

Darlene Barriere
Webmaster: www.child-abuse-effects.com
author. speaker. survivor. coach
Talk Before Touching^® Series

May 19, 2009

Part 3 of 3: Regarding the inclusion of personal information...
by: Darlene Barriere - Webmaster

You'll note I removed your last name (removed in order to ensure your privacy and anonymity) and email address from your story. I have a strict policy with regard to personal information such as email addresses, etc., on the site. I cannot control who visits this site, but I can ensure that all who visit here stay safe from predators and other less honourable characters. I trust you understand my position on this issue. If anyone would like to give you feedback, they can do so by leaving you a comment, provided they are respectful. I delete all disrespectful comments on visitor submissions before they go live on my site; therefore, you don't have to worry that someone will write something nasty.

Darlene Barriere
Webmaster: www.child-abuse-effects.com
author. speaker. survivor. coach
Talk Before Touching^® Series

May 20, 2009

Listen and learn but for your own sake listen
by: maurice

Stephanie H. Many teenagers do not listen to sound and good advice from their parents especially their mothers. Adolecence is an awkward age for most teenagers. Most if not all mothers are sound when they Love their teenage child. They want always what is best but most teens do not see that at the time. Stephanie H you have found this for your own betterment. That your Mother knew best. Your learned a harsh reality about a false building of love and a relationship who had a severe drinkng related problem. I am so happy you were brave enough not to stay in such a relationship which would have in time made your life a misery. Stephanie H at 20 the one person you must begin to love, value, respect, and acknowledge that you are one very special woman beautiful and very intelligent with integrity. Begin to have a good mirror image of yourself with the help of your Mother/Family and your true friend (s) who really care for you in a good way. Always believe in yourself. So from this day on think positive, act positive, and be positive about the wonderful and great person you are. Be brave and be strong as you were to break away from that man and that way of life you thought was cool while you were testing the ground of LOVE. Love and respect number one (YOURSELF) first and then you will always be safe in building a true relationship with some one who will likewise treat you with LOve and REspect. Stephanie H you will not go too far astray in your young life now if you read carefully and slowly the loving caring advise and words of encouragement from Darlene. If you do, you will live well, laugh alot and love much. That mirror image you build for yourself is most important for you. Please see yourself as beautiful. Say to that lovely beautiful you in the mirror I can accomplish anything I want and I don't have to doubt that or make reasons to doubt it (ever) You have listened and learned and returned to a Mother who really cares about you. Your motto from now on Stephanie H should be I will, I can, I must loving care for my own wellbeing because I love ME.

Sep 03, 2009

I know how this feels.
by: Janelle.

Stephanie, You did everything any typical teenager would do. But, you didn't deserve that at all. I've been through this, but only it was my moms boyfriend. And, I was only 6.
I had no escape. Just when I thought that i could go to my dads and be safe it continued at his house. By him.

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Disclaimer: To the best of my knowledge the child abuse
stories on this site are true. While I cannot guarantee
this, I do try to balance the need for the submitter to be
heard and validated with the needs of my visitors.

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Comments for Relationship Violence Story From Stephanie H

Most Recent

Converging Stolen Lives

A letter to one of the 13 Turpin children

Dissociated From Abuse