My mother had me when she was 20 years old. My parents divorced shortly after I was born. When I was about 4 or so My mother met her next husband and father of my little sister and brother. The abuse was an all the time thing. I don't quite remember it but it happened. When my mom was pregnant with my brother, her husband beat and raped her for the last time!! He made her face look like hamburger meat. My mom is such a strong and beautiful woman. I truly admire her and she is my hero! She is so caring and fun. She made sure that we would no longer live in fear.

Hi. I just wanted to say THANK YOU to WEAVE. A while back I lived in an abusive relationship. As an 18 year old, I didn't know what to do or where to go or who to turn to. I was beaten physically, emotionally, mentally, and sexually. I always thought it was my fault because he always blamed me no matter how much I tried to please him. It didn't matter what I did, it was always my fault. He made death threats to me. I don't know if that was normal. But the death threats still rings in my ear today. I remember using ropes and belts together to tie my jeans up.

This can happen to anybody. I always thought that being assaulted was a result of certain behavior, but it is not. It is NOT about what you do, it is about what the perpetrator does. And once that person has made up their mind, all you can do is try and stay safe.