Our Stories
-
TEEN DATING
My relationship with John started off great. He was funny, charming, and sweet. We had only been dating for a couple months when he told me he loved me. I was not ready for that yet but I thought I would lose him if I didn’t say it back. Our realtionship seemed normal back then...but then things began to change. He started questioning my clothing and even told me one time that I looked like a slut. He would get mad if any guy even looked in my direction but I thought his jealousy meant that he loved me. Soon enough I realized it was his way of keeping control over me. He would often make the plans for our dates without even asking me. He didn’t care if I wanted to do the things he chose or not. Then one night he offered me drugs. I tried to tell him NO, but he forced me to try it. Then he wanted to have sex with me. Because…
Read more...
-
TEEN STORY
At the age of 15 years old, I was one angry girl. You’d be angry too, carrying around a rock in the pit of your stomach. One constant thought, “Why is this happening to my family?!?!” Why was I so angry, at my stepfather who has been a part of my life since I was four? At first he seemed pretty nice, and but after a while he got mean. When he would come home in a bad mood I would get really scared. When he was mad he would usually start yelling, then screaming, and then hitting would start(usually Mom). Everyday my entire family had to be ready to adjust to his mood.
Read more...
-
My life was good. I had a job and friends, I was close with my family, my boss had just given me a promotion. Everything was going along as planned.
One night I went out with some friends to the bar.
Read more...
-
My journey was not quick or easy. I went down many paths before finding the right one. My relationship was just like any other in the beginning, loving, caring, wanting to spend all our time together. But things started to change.
Read more...
|
|
|
|
Domestic Violence Survivor's Story |
|
 My journey was not quick or easy. I went down many paths before finding the right one. My relationship was just like any other in the beginning, loving, caring, wanting to spend all our time together. But things started to change.
He didn't want me to be around certain friends because they didn't like him. He told me that he was only concerned about me and that he didn't want me to see them because he loved me. I found myself giving in to make him happy. As things went along, I had to give up more and more of myself to make him happy.
The first time I went to SASA they listened to me, talked to me like a real person and let me know that what I was experiencing was not my fault. They helped me figure out that I wasn't going crazy, and helped me to see the signs of abuse. I got a better understanding of what I was going through. I just wanted information, and they respected that. I went home with a lot to think about.A few months later, the police were called to my home by a neighbor. My husband was hitting me and the window was open. They were afraid for me and did the right thing by calling. I didn't think so at the time, but it really was the right thing. I was so angry because I thought I could handle this myself, and afraid that everyone would find out. To my surprise, many already knew or suspected, but just didn't know how to talk to me about it.
An Advocate from SASA came to my house after the police took my husband to jail. They helped me figure out what just happened and what was to come. I didn't even realize that I had a knot on my head until they asked me about it. I ended up going to the hospital to get checked out. They went with me and stood by me while I was being checked out. I since have received aditional help from SASA, and have found the to be a great support system. I attended womens group and gained new friends that understood what I was going through, and now have more self-esteem and confidence thanks to them
|
|
