You are here:
I can answer questions regarding emotional and physical abuse in dating and marriage situations, however I am unable to give legal advice. Having had firsthand experience in an abusive relationship, I understand the feelings, the questions and the doubts we have as we try to make decisions about how to improve our situations. I am also able to address spiritual concerns regarding staying in or leaving these types of situations.
Having been a victim of emotional abuse for many years and having family members who were in violent abuse situations, I have personal experience on many levels. I have since gone on to become a professional counselor and work with abused women.
American Mental Health Counselors Assn., American Association of Christian Counselors, International Association of Prayer Counselors
The Good News Northwest and The North Idaho Business Journal
Licensed Professional Counselor, Board Certified Professional Christian Counselor, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Certified Natural Health Professional
Board Certified Christian Counselor
This subject is one that effects a large majority of relationships, whether they are marital or dating. If I can be of help to anyone who is either in an abusive relationship or seeing they are getting into one, I want to be. Both the abused and the abuser need help in these situations.
Abusers have a profile that is predictable and clear. Most individuals who are in the midst of abuse have a hard time seeing the progression of the abuse cycle and where it is going, but through the help of outside professionals, they can learn to see it and heal from it.
Individuals on the outside of an abusive relationship often can't understand why the victim doesn't just leave. It seems like the obvious thing to do, however abusive relationships are more complicated than that. Statistics show that the most dangerous time in a relationship is when the victim leaves or shortly thereafter.
| User | Date | K | C | T | P | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Randy | 10/07/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thank you for your help.... |
| A P | 10/05/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | Thank you.. :((( for the fast answer ..... |
| Lauren | 09/23/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | |
| Caroline | 09/18/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | I received a response sooner than I ..... |
| alisha | 09/13/09 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | i think that answer helped me alot ..... |
Dear Linzi, Although it is always difficult to predict the future, statistically the answer to your question is yes. Violence and abuse escalates until something happens to intervene which changes the
Hi Ashley, I can certainly see that this is a controlled and manipulated environment, which is common with abusers. Many of your questions are legal ones which I can't answer, but I would strongly encourage
Dear Randy, There is definitely something wrong with any type of behavior that includes physical and verbal abuse. I'm not sure that you have a question here beyond wanting my opinion, but I would advise
Dear Maria, Yes, this is mental and emotional abuse. It is also manipulation and control. This kind of abuse is one of the most difficult to prove legally and there are very few laws against it, but
Dear Jessica, Finances are definitely a consideration, but I think you know the answer to your question. If the relationship has persisted in this manner for seven years, there isn't a lot of evidence
Answers by Expert:

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.