You Are Not Alone: Finding Help After Your Husband Hit You

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Lily Everhart

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Husband Hit Me: Finding Help and Moving Forward

Understanding Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)

No one deserves to be hit by their partner. This is a brutal truth, and if you’re reading this because your husband hit you, it’s essential to understand that you’re not alone. Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious issue, affecting millions of people every year.

This post offers support, resources, and a sense of community. We’ll explore what to do after your husband hits you, share stories from others who have been through similar situations, and provide resources to help you move forward.

Understanding Intimate Partner Violence

IPV can be physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. It can also involve controlling behaviours, threats, and intimidation. While the term “domestic violence” is sometimes used, IPV can happen in any relationship, regardless of marital status or sexual orientation.

Here’s what licensed therapist Maria Sanchez, LMFT, says about IPV: “The most important thing to remember is that abuse is never your fault. Your partner’s actions reflect their choices, not your worth.”

If your husband hits you, it’s a sign of a dangerous and unhealthy relationship.

Anonymized Stories of Strength

Sarah (name changed to protect privacy) shares her experience: “My husband used to back me into a corner and yell. One night, during an argument, he shoved me. I felt so scared and alone. That’s when I knew I had to leave.”

Leaving an abusive relationship can be incredibly difficult, but it’s also courageous. Here’s another story from David (name changed): “I never thought I’d be the one abused by my partner. My husband would pinch and hit me, always in places no one would see. It took a friend pointing it out for me to realize what was happening.”

These stories highlight the varying forms of IPV and the courage it takes to break free.

What to Do Now

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are some steps you can take:

  • Safety First: Call 911 or your local emergency number if you feel unsafe. You can also go to a domestic violence shelter.
  • Talk to Someone: Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, therapist, or hotline.
  • Document the Abuse: If safe, take photos of any injuries and record incidents, including dates and details.
  • Create a Safety Plan: Think about where you can go if you need to leave and how you can stay safe. This may involve changing your routines, getting a new phone number, or informing trusted people about the situation.
  • Consider Legal Options: A lawyer specializing in domestic violence can advise you on your rights and next steps.

Remember, you are not alone. Some people care about you and want to help.

Help and Resources

Here are some resources that can provide support and guidance:

Moving Forward

Leaving an abusive relationship may leave you feeling overwhelmed, hurt, and confused. Here are some tips for moving forward:

  • Be Patient with Yourself: Healing takes time. Allow yourself to grieve the loss of the relationship you may have hoped for.
  • Focus on Self-Care: Make time for activities you enjoy, spend time with loved ones, and prioritize your mental and physical well-being.
  • Seek Support: Consider joining a support group for survivors of domestic violence. Talking to others who have been through similar experiences can be incredibly helpful.
  • Focus on Your Strength: Leaving an abusive relationship is a courageous act. Recognize your strength and resilience for creating a safer and healthier future for yourself.

Remember, you deserve to be safe and respected. There is help available, and you don’t have to go through this alone.

Additional Resources

  • Your Local Law Enforcement: Many police departments have specialized domestic violence units. They can provide information on restraining orders and safety planning.
  • MentalHealth.gov: This website from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides information on mental health conditions, including resources for coping with trauma: https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health
  • The National Resource Center on Domestic Violence: https://www.nrcdv.org/ This website, from the American Bar Association, provides legal resources and information on domestic violence laws:
  • Hotline for Men: 1-800-933-HELP (4357) This hotline provides support and resources for men experiencing domestic violence: https://www.1in6.org/

The Road to Healing

Healing from domestic violence is a journey. There will be ups and downs, but with support and self-care, you can build a life free from abuse. This blog post is just a starting point. There are many resources available to help you on your healing journey.

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this blog post is not a substitute for professional medical or legal advice. If you are experiencing domestic violence, please reach out to a qualified professional or hotline for support.

Posted by

Lily Everhart

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