Every time, we excuse or hide domestic violence and abuse by minimising it as a “small slap” or ignoring the abuse with statements like, “he/she had a rough day at work”. What happens to our children’s growing-up beliefs? They assume this is normal behaviour among adults. They learn from us that love comes with fear. They understand from our acceptance of abuse that being hurt is part of being wanted.
Do we want our daughters to whisper in their adult life when hurt that, “It was just a slap!”.Do we want our sons to believe that they have a right to raise their hand or voice against their partners and expect silent submission?
We must break the cycle– and it begins by telling the truth.
“It wasn`t just a slap; it was abuse!”
Next Article: IT Starts Small,… But It Never Stays Small – www.unmasking-domesticviolence.org
