[mythrider]

I’m a dv survivor. My abuser was my ex boyfriend and he was abusive in every way. I believe he had schizophrenia undiagnosed. He would rape me 7 times in a day - I didn’t want sex 7 times a day. He tried to kill me a few times and came close at least twice.

I learned that my mother is also abusive emotionally. I’m still dealing with her but thankfully live on my own now. I believe she lead me to the abuse because I thought the yelling was okay. The yelling eventually led to physical abuse and sexual abuse. I’m just glad I never married the guy, but I still get flashbacks. They come only sometimes now. It’s only recent that I finally admitted my mother is abusive. She doesn’t know this, but I have told a few people including my therapist.

I have complex ptsd. The flashbacks are from my most recent abuse, but I have trauma dating back to early childhood. I’m just thankful I’m safe and have a very kind and loving husband (we married this year in April).

Hugs please? Anyone else find out later that they had childhood trauma?

[Yzen]

You are safe and a strong survivor!! I am so glad you didn't marry that guy.

For years as an adult, I thought it was normal what happened to me as a child. It was hard for me to reach the conclusion that I shouldn't have been treated that way and that the trauma from that hasn't healed. I didn't know any other way, so I thought everyone was experiencing what I did.

[nicoleflynn]

I stayed for 31 years! I found the book which saved my life: The Verbally Abusive Relationship by Patricia Evans...grew up verbally and physically abused....if abused as children, we quite frequently allow others to abuse us, because it is familiar.

[Cocosurviving]

Hello there—I’m glad you left. I stayed for two years. We were engaged. I ended up getting pregnant so that’s why I stayed longer. I was concerned for my daughter so I left. My mom was emotionally abusive and unavailable as a parent.