You are stronger than you think

by Vanessa
(South Africa)

Hi Julie,

My name is Vanessa and I reside in South Africa. I just want you to know that you are stronger than you think!

I have two young boys, ages 10 and 4. I have been in an abusive relationship for the last 11 years and am in the process of taking that next step to leave my partner.

I know and understand how lonely you must be feeling and how helpless you must feel. So alone and scared. I know because I am going through that.

The abuse that I have endeared is mostly emotional abuse but I have been hit by my partner quite a few times. The worst was being pinned down on the floor with him trying to strangle me, while telling me that I would never take his kids away from him. He has even managed to get my eldest to despise my side of the family and of course adore his.

I am at that stage now where my son tells his Dad everything that I do and realized, I need to get out for the sake of myself, my children and my future relationship with my children. I am so scared and busy taking the necessary steps to get out of this relationship.

This is just some of the details that I have experienced but I wanted to tell you, that you are not alone. You can get through this.

My thoughts are with you.

Love Vanessa