Child Abuse Story From Wendy

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Child Abuse Story From Wendy

by Wendy
(Bonaire, Georgia, USA)

I was never hit, never sexually abused, I was not neglected. I did however witness my stepfather hit, kick, punch, yell at, scream at, and beat my mom until she passed out. I have read many of the stories on this site, and none of them have been about witnessing abuse.

I thought I was over the hurt and helpless feelings, until I was asked to state one of my favorite memories as a child. I could only think of the hurt, feeling helpless, feeling alone (even though I have 4 sisters), feeling as though he would hit her one more time and she would die.

I am not sure how to make peace with this matter. I would like to move on with my life, but some days it is all I seem to think about. I pray for all who have to endue any type of abuse and I pray that the abusers see their wrong and stop abusing.

Note From Darlene: Wendy, I moved your story to this location, rather than leave it with the general comments, in order to provide an opportunity for my visitors and me to help you with our supportive and encouraging words. You'll find the link a couple of lines down.

Email addresses, phone numbers, home addresses AND website/blog URLs in visitor comments are strictly prohibited.

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Child Abuse Story From Wendy

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Nov 19, 2007

Witnessing abuse IS a form of child abuse
by: Darlene Barriere - webmaster

Oh Wendy, you are not alone with your story. There are others on this site; I wish I could point you directly to those stories, but there are so many that I cannot recall which ones specifically include witnessing the abuse of a parent. Perhaps some of my visitors who have suffered the way you have suffered will comment here and offer their support and encouragement.

Witnessing abuse falls under the umbrella of emotional abuse. What you endured is often considered one of the most difficult of abusive situations to deal with. As a child, you felt complete helplessness. You were witnessing the abuse of the very person who was supposed to be able to protect you; if your mother couldn't protect herself, how could you believe that she would be able to protect YOU? Then there was the very real possibility of your mother dying at the hands of your stepfather; and then who would be there to take care of you? The fear and the terror MUST have been horrendous. Of course you'd have trouble making peace with it all.

If you haven't already, check out my types of emotional abuse page on this site for more information about emotional abuse. Witnessing will take you directly to the segment on witnessing family violence.

I strongly recommend some form of counselling to help you with the emotional residue of these horrific memories, Wendy. I know that this suggestion is nothing new. I also know that talking to a professional is the best chance you have of getting on with your life.

Nov 21, 2007

Thank you
by: Wendy

Thank you Darlene. When I read your comments on my shortened story I cried. I know it sound silly, but it was like you validated my feelings. Everything that happened has been pushed under the rug. NO ONE talks about any of it. If we talk about it, it becomes real attitude. I have been married for nine years now and my husband doesn't even know about it all. The most I have told him is that my step dad beat my mom when I was little...end of story. Even though it is still hard to even think about what happened, you have helped. I will add my story in more detail in the story section. Again I thank you.

Nov 22, 2007

You're welcome, Wendy
by: Darlene Barriere - webmaster

I created this site to provide child abuse information and to give a voice to child abuse survivors, a voice that many survivors have never had. When I write my comments, I do so with the intent of validating, because most survivors have always been denied both their feelings and the abuse itself. So you see, Wendy, feeling validated by my comments was not at all silly; you were supposed to feel validated—I'm honoured that you did feel that way.

I'm delighted to learn that what I wrote helped you. And I hope you will indeed submit more of your story.

Dec 04, 2010

i know how you feel...
by: ruby

I understand how you feel completely...I went through the same thing with my dad then again with my stepdad...Its a horrible thing to go through and I think about it almost every day. For me I took it as a way to make myself stronger. I have never been in an abusive relationship becauseI know he signs and will not put up with it!. My sisters have not been so lucky. My older sister and younger sister are both into drugs and bring up the abuse we witnessed regularly. I know it affects everyone differently and I hope that you find a way to cope and move on. Thank you for bringing up this topic cause I never actually looked at it as a type of abuse but I suppose it is. I just fgured since I dealt with all the other types this was just minor... thanx again and wish you all the best

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Child Abuse Story From Wendy

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Child Abuse Story From Wendy