The doctor stared at my swollen, bruised jaw. “What happened?”
A voice strained within. Tell him the truth.
Although shame and humiliation kept the abuse and suffering locked inside, I desperately wanted someone to know. To care.
Maybe he’s safe. Maybe he can help me.
“Someone hit me.”
Panic raced through my brain. What happens now? Will my husband be arrested? Will people think I deserved it?
My heart stopped beating as I waited for his next question—who? Would I have the guts to admit the truth?
He cocked his head and studied me. Finally, he opened his mouth.
Here it comes. I can do this.
“Wow,” he said. “You were hit really hard.” He turned away to look at my x-ray.
That’s it?
My soul deflated like a slashed tire.
I wanted to yell, to ask why he didn’t care. Instead, I remained silent.
The Friend
Emboldened by my almost confession, I made a momentous decision to confide in my co-worker. Although my husband wouldn’t let me have friends, he couldn’t keep me isolated at work. Over the last few months, Mahasti and I had spoken frequently. She seemed to care. Maybe she could be trusted.
I had to tell someone.
Had to take the chance.
At lunch, I confessed why I sipped broth instead of eating solid food. Mahasti frowned and gave sympathetic nods as I described being backhanded, flying across the room, landing in a crumpled, sobbing heap. An earthquake of fear trembled my body with each word.
“That’s terrible. I’m sorry he did that.” Mahasti patted my hand. “You know, you can talk to me anytime.” Her eyes moved to her watch. “Time to get back to work.” She stood and left me sitting alone.
Why did I even bother?
Defeat drowned my desire to ever reach out again.
No one cares.
Not the doctors or nurses.
Not the one person I considered a friend.
My mother’s words from long ago haunted to me. “You made your bed. Now you can lie in it.”
Get Help
Does this sound like you?
I didn’t get help, but wish I had before things went seriously wrong.
Don’t make my mistake. Don’t let shame, guilt, or isolation keep you from talking to someone. Get help before it’s too late.
There are people who care.
You’re not alone.
Call a local shelter or the National Domestic Violence Hotline for confidential help at 1-800-799-SAFE.
If you’ve confided in someone or had someone confide in you, what happened?
If not, what keeps you silent?
Thanks for the great post, Leigh Ann!
Leigh Ann,
Thank you for stepping out with courage to be the voice of inspiration so many need.
Great Job!
Many Blessings~
Thanks Connie!
Thank you so much Leigh Ann you have given me the courage to speak the truth. My frist boyfriend abused me til i shot him on behalf of my safety. My next boyfriend ended up abusing me and continues to do so. I couldent hurt him cause with my frist one his family said i was not protecting myself. So if i hurt this one id go to prision for two lifes. Reading your bookhelp me to break free and found a really loving man. And still fighting with my frist family. Im now helping other women do the same! Im a survivor! Thank you!