Get Out

Don’t let anyone tell you that it’s okay. You do not deserve to be treated like an animal. You are independent. You have self worth. You deserve so much better. Do not let the abuse take away your life. Get out of that situation. Abuse can occur a variety of different ways. There’s sexual, verbal, emotional, or physical abuse. No one is worse than the other. All are just as bad.

Girls and guys, know your worth. Either of you can be impacted by abuse. Everyone has witnessed or dealt with abuse in one way or another. On average, every minute, 24 people are raped. That’s over 12 million men and women every year. Three in ten women and one in ten men experience rape sometime in their life. One in four women and one in seven men have been victim to severe physical abuse. Nearly half of all men and women have been subject to psychological abuse. These statistics may be heartbreaking but the important thing is that they're eye-opening. Abuse is more common than people think, yet no one seems to want to talk about it. By not talking about it, it is putting everyone at risk. You need to know what abuse is and the options you have if you are involved in any form abuse. There are resources out there designed to help. You do not have to go through this alone.

How do you know if you’re being abused?

First you need to know the different categories of abuse.

Signs of physical abuse include any physical hitting, choking, shoving, or punching. You should not be forbidden to eat or sleep and you should not feel threatened for wanting to call the police or seek medical attention. Your children should not be at risk and you should never have a weapon used against you.

Signs of emotional abuse include: calling you names or criticizing you in attempt to make you feel bad about yourself. You should not be held captive at your house. You should have full freedom to leave the house or call anyone you wish to. You should never feel isolated from your friends or family. You should never feel that you're the problem, sometimes in abuse situations, partners try to blame you for being the cause of the abuse. Almost like you deserve it or something... but you DO NOT deserve to be treated like anything less than the queen you are.

Signs of sexual abuse are basically in the name. I am not embarrassed or ashamed to go into further detail though. Too many people leave this out because it may be an uncomfortable subject but truth is, not everything in life is a comfortable situation. Sexual abuse consists of being forced to partake in any sexual activity you don't consent to.

Know the difference between what you think is love and what is actually abuse. If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, it's probably because you shouldn't be in it to begin with. If something feels off, or just altogether not right. It's probably not right, and it shouldn't be happening. Love shouldn't hurt.

I want to dedicate a special part of this article to men who are involved in an abusive relationship. If you are male and are currently in an abusive relationship, you are not alone. It may feel like you are because no one ever hears of a guy being the victim, but it can, and does, happen. A lot of the time though, sadly, most men don't leave the relationship. Just know this, it is not okay and it is not normal. Do not feel embarrassed or ashamed. You are no less of a man if you choose to get help. If anything, you're more of a man for realizing that you are in a bad situation and need to receive help.

At thehotline.org, online chat is available 24/7 without you even having to say a word.

Call 1-800-799-SAFE

Do not be afraid to get help. You are not alone. Make the call today. Get out.