Individuals who are alone, even with the continuous availability of basic necessities, can face severe mental disturbances that could eventually lead to death. This emphasizes the need for a healthy relationship based on trust, respect, and understanding. However, the person that one chooses to have a relationship with may not always be the best one. If a relationship involves mistreatment, disrespect, intense jealousy, controlling behavior, or physical violence, it can be classified as an abusive relationship.
Abuse can manifest in various forms, such as physical, mental, emotional, or sexual abuse. Some people even mistake abuse for an intense way of showing love. Victims of abuse may choose to keep it a secret, irrespective of the intensity or form of abuse. The reasons for doing so may vary, but none of them are good for the victim. Some of the reasons include:
1. Co-dependency: The victim may have excessive emotional or psychological dependence on their partner, and the fear of losing them may intimidate them.
2. Social embarrassment: Victims may fear societal judgment or stigma when talking about their abusive relationships.
3. “Your fault”: Abusers can convince their victims that their abusive behavior is their fault, which can lead to low self-esteem and a lack of self-respect.
4. Memories: Love shared during courtship may lead to a false belief in the victim that they can reverse the sudden change of personality of the abuser.
5. Financial dependency: Victims may depend on their abusers financially due to a lack of job skills, language barriers, health issues, or immigration status.
6. Mortal fear: Abusers may threaten their victims that they will harm their loved ones if they speak out.
7. Loss of children: Custody issues and fear of losing contact with their children can lead to victims’ silence.
Victims of abuse often feel that they are at fault, believing that they “asked for it” or that they do not deserve better. However, abuse is never deserved.
Victims do not have to wait for the “right” time to end the relationship. The moment they realize that they are being abused, they should seek help. It is essential to inform the police and seek medical attention if one has been physically harmed or mentally down. Help is always available, and it is never too late to start over. The victim’s future is theirs to decide.
