You deserve better than that

By Brook Stalling.
You’re better than this, you know. Yes, I know that’s not what he tells you, but you don’t deserve to be abused. Stop letting him. He counts on you to be his ally. He can’t hurt you without your cooperation. That’s why every time you say it’s over, he’s so sweet. He says it won’t happen again, and you know that’s not true. He needs you to be his victim. He needs to hit you and blame it on you. He needs to lie to you. He needs to force you to do things you don’t want to do. He needs to treat you like the dirt on the soles of his feet. Is that what you need, to be treated like that? If so, it’s a dangerous game you’re playing. In 2000, 1247 women and 440 men were killed by an intimate partner. Is it really worth it? Do you feel like the only one in the world with this problem? Abusers work to isolate their victims. Nearly one-third of American women have been physically or sexually abused. You certainly know one of those women. Talk to her. It’s all about control. He’ll do anything at all to keep you under his thumb. That’s why the most dangerous time for you is when you leave him. Please, when you decide to go, don’t tell him. Don’t let him read your email or have your phone. Just go, and don’t tell him where. If you need help, call the Eastside Domestic Violence Program’s 24-Hour Crisis Line at 425-746-1940, or visit the counseling center on the second floor of Student Services. If you are married or dating, gay or straight, have children, or don’t speak English well, there are people who can help you right now. Don’t wait.