Photo credit: Travel to the Emerald City by LadyKraken
There are endless reasons to avoid victim blaming, but one of the biggest reasons a victim may not leave an abusive situation is fear. Fear for themselves, for any children they may have, or even for animals that may be in their care. A deep fear that resonates like ice in our bones, "You are supposed to be able to do this, but you are weak and worthless."
The truth is, sometimes we can't. Sometimes the weight of all the worlds we have made ourselves responsible for come crashing down on our self-worth and determination to survive. Sometimes even breathing is a heavy burden.
We are not alone. If you are in need of assistance, here is a nationwide resource to help connect you to resources in your area.
WARNING: DO NOT SEND THIS TO ANYONE YOU BELIEVE TO BE IN AN ABUSIVE SITUATION. ABUSERS TEND TO MONITOR THEIR VICTIM'S COMMUNICATIONS AND SENDING RESOURCES FOR RECOVERY DIRECTLY TO THEM COULD CAUSE A TRIGGER EVENT. IF AN ABUSE VICTIM APPROACHES YOU FOR HELP, OFFER THEM YOUR DEVICE TO FIND RESOURCES SO THERE IS NO TRAIL FOR AN ABUSER TO TRACK.