Faith is one of the hardest things to have as a survivor. Faith is having to believe in something that cannot be guaranteed. Asking us to believe after we have been given hard evidence that people often don’t work how they are supposed to and do what they should, it is a big ask.

This week, I had to rely on others. Hyper independence is exceedingly common with those who have survived domestic abuse. Trust issues, meaning in my case not being able to trust others to believe my intention and words cause me to not want to ask for help. Nearly all domestic abuse survivors go through this.

Addie made some disturbing claims. For her privacy I cannot say what. Unfortunately, I am put in a bind. If I make reports to those who are experts in the types of things Addie is saying, many would claim that I have coached her, or tried to make her believe terrible things about her father. While I know that to be false, it is something that others have done. My actions back my claims, but I live in fear that hoping others will believe me will not harm us.

People ask why those suffering domestic violence don’t leave. It is because leaving rarely makes it stop. The children are still at risk. Only now, we cannot ensure they are less exposed, and we have to hope others will help us to help them.

The only thing I have heard all do, is keep documenting. So to us all, keep it up