HE LOVES ME NOT? BREAKING THE CYCLE OF PAINFUL RELATIONSHIPS.

Abuse is caused by one person or a group of persons who use coercive or manipulative actions to control others. Abuse is about misuse of power. The goal of abusive behavior is to gain or exercise control over those perceived as weaker.

The abuse can come in all forms which can be physical, emotional, sexual abuse/harassment or spiritual. Only 8% of religious leaders are equipped to handle domestic violence or sexual assault. Domestic Violence is a human issue. Our silence only perpetrates it. We need to step up and step out so that generational curses can be broken.

Couples counselling is NOT SAFE for victims because domestic violence is a crime and the intimate partner will continue the abuse behind closed doors.

• Every 9 seconds a woman is beaten
• A woman is forcibly raped every 5 minutes
• Every 98 seconds a woman is sexually assaulted
• Every two minutes a child is sexually abused

TODAY I GOT FLOWERS

I got flowers today.

It wasn't my birthday

Or any other special day.

We had our first argument last night and

he said a lot of cruel things

that really hurt me.

I know that he is sorry and didn't mean the things that he said

because he sent me flowers today

I got flowers today.

It wasn't our anniversary

or any other special day.

Last night, he threw me into a wall

and started to choke me.

It seemed like a night mare.

I couldn't believe it was real.

I woke up this morning sore and bruised all over.

I know he must be sorry

because he sent me flowers today.

I got flowers today,

and it wasn't Mother's Day

or any other special day.

Last night, he beat me up again,

and it was much worse than all the other times.

If I leave him,

What will I do?

How will I take care of my kids?

What about money?

I'm afraid of him and scared to leave.

But I know he must be sorry

because he sent me flowers today.

I got flowers today.

Today was a very special day.

It was the day of my funeral.

Last night,

He finally killed me.

He beat me to death.

If only I had gathered

enough courage and strength

To leave him,

I would not have gotten flowers today.