I wanted to write this for anyone who is thinking of leaving an abusive relationship, trying to work out what's going on, trying to find inner strength, or have left and are recovering.
It does get better. I promise.
Last year I made the hardest decision of my life to leave my abusive partner. He was my so called 'childhood sweetheart'. For years I did not know he was abusive, he masked it with his charming alter ego.
Then my mental health started to deteriorate rapidly. I became very unwell. I had to leave my career that I had worked hard for as I couldn't function day to day. I became completely housebound through severe anxiety and panic.
The GP saw my bruises. She reported it to the domestic violence team. I was discussed at MARAC 3 times in 3 months, and classed as "high risk", I was told if I didn't get out I was at risk of being killed.
One day I woke up and new I couldn't take anymore. I left. If I'd have known how hard those next few days would have been I don't know if I'd have left. But I also didn't know how great my life could be without him.
It's been almost a year. I am still very poorly. But I am making progress every day.
You CAN do it. You deserve a life free from abuse. It's not easy, it will possibly be the hardest thing you will ever do. But it is worth it.
for anyone going through this & for all survivors