We stayed because…

Abuse, whether it is verbal or non-verbal, physical or psychological, is unacceptable, no bones about it. But there are some women who made a decision to stay after the abuse. Below, they share why.

MH:

I took my husband back after the abuse because I truly love him and I also knew that when it happened, he was really not himself. He was stressed and drinking and all that and so certain conversations would trigger his anger.

GF:

I chose to forgive him because I love my man to the core. I didn’t stay because I love abuse, I stayed because I love my man and I know he loves me too. I could not allow one mistake to ruin my entire relationship.

CJ:

I stayed because I really don’t want to lose my man. I love my man no matter what and sometimes we as women do push men to the edge. My man slapped me a couple months ago and I watched how frightened he was when he did it, and so I realised it wasn’t intentional. If something is always happening, well that is a different story.

HM:

I stayed because I cannot invest five years into a relationship and go back to being single. I am almost 50 years old so yes, I decided to stay.

NM:

It happened several times where my husband attacked me but I stayed because of my family. I don’t want to have a broken home and I refuse to put my children through a divorce. So I stay and try to work through all the hurt as stupid as that sounds.

Note:

Here is a list of places you can contact if you are a woman in need of help. Do not hesitate to call anyone at the following groups if you are dealing with issues such as domestic abuse, unplanned pregnancies, or are in need of counselling to cope with a traumatic experience.

Bureau of Gender Affairs

Call them at: 754-8575-8, or 929-6660

Women’s Resource and Outreach Centre

Call them at: 929-8873

Woman Inc

Call them at: 929-9038

The Crisis Centre

Call them at: 929-2997