That being said, I feel I have a responsibility as someone with a platform to speak up.
Just 1 month in, he started to change. In public, he was wonderful. In private, he was a different person.
Then, the death threats came.
Forgive me for what? I should’ve asked.
Turns out, it was my first anxiety attack.
I remember looking at the doctor, pleading with my eyes to let me stay, so I didn’t have to go back to him.
I was bad, shameful. I needed help to fix me, I told my therapist through tears.
After his episode, I comforted him. I told him it was my fault.
With her help, I finally - FINALLY - was able to act.
I broke up with him.
Over the next few months, I started to feel safe again. But the damage was so deep. So insidious.
I need therapy. I need medicine. I need support and help.
1/4 women & 1/9 men experience domestic violence in the US.
women between ages 18-24 are most commonly abused.
many universities have mental health professionals on campus.
available via phone: National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY).