Talitha Cumi Stella O.

The hardest part of being in an abusive situation is not being able to talk about it. The shame. The silence. The feeling that somehow, you are to blame. Emotional abuse is further worsened by the fact that there are no physical scars. How do you explain your pain when there are no bruises. A lot of women continue to live in silence. If you are in an abusive relationship, it is not your fault and you should not be ashamed. 

I will be discussing emotional abuse with Aubri Black, author of Did He Hit You. If you have lived experience of emotional abuse like me, you will feel all the emotions and frustrations as you read the book. If you don't, you will gain an insight into the lives of many women, and if you are uncertain of of your situation, you may find clarity afterwards.  Christina Savage also joins us, and brings to the table her wealth of knowledge and experience from over 20 years of being a Clinical Counselor.

Our personal experience should not replace professional advice. The first step to freedom is finding a confidant and breaking the silence. I am a survivor and there is hope for you as well.

To get a copy of Did He Hit You or nominate someone who needs it, contact Joann Mckinlay at the YWCA singlemothers@ywcavan.org or 604-219-8952 to pick up from downtown Vancouver.

There are resources and support available through the YWCA and BC-211 helpline 2-1-1 for people located in Metro Vancouver.