#MaybeHeDoesntHitYou - When Domestic Abuse is Not Physical

You never know what's really happening inside a closed door unless you're in there. Even then, if you're not directly affected by the situation, a couple may seem sweet and perfect from afar.

Most of the time, domestic abuse is reflected by bruises and scratches. Reports show that there are more than 4 million women aged 18-34 who have and are currently experiencing abuse. Sadly, 2 out of 3 women end up dying because they choose to stay in an abusive relationship.

But what if the abuse is not the kind that you can see through bruises, cuts, and scratches? Recently, the hashtag #MaybeHeDoesntHitYou started trending in Twitter to empower women to speak up.

[embed]https://twitter.com/AkilahObviously/status/729690748568875008[/embed]

The tweets started growing within 24 hours and the more they come, the more they make us realize the different abuse that a lot of women experience while staying in a relationship.

[embed]https://twitter.com/WeNeedFeminlsm/status/730216055734415361[/embed]

It seems like some people don't understand that domestic abuse is not just a label for when you hit someone physically. It's true that emotional and verbal abuse hurts more than when you are beaten. Not only does it affect one's emotional and psychological state, it can also negatively affect someone's physical health when it is done repeatedly and within a span of time.

[embed]https://twitter.com/aveiman/status/730012368244252672[/embed]

Emotional and verbal abuse includes threats, bullying, shaming and manipulation. When one chooses to stay, they may develop depression in the long run. What's worse is most of the time, the abuser doesn't realize the severity of their actions. Sometimes, these abusers have been a victim during their younger years, and feel that having someone experience what they have gone through makes them more powerful.

[embed]https://twitter.com/detricotage/status/729785374088777730[/embed]

We accept the treatment we think we deserve.

Some victims accept abuse because they think they deserve it. They were so manipulated that they think every mistake must be punished.

Another hashtag, #WhyIStayed, also captured a lot of response from women who put up with abuse.

[embed]https://twitter.com/SequinedSuccess/status/730245676760588288[/embed]

[embed]https://twitter.com/LipstickSquad_/status/730226949033877504[/embed]

If you are being abused, always remember that you don't deserve it. Sometimes it's better to stay single than be with someone who does not see your real worth.

You can always reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

 

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About Terinah Doba

Terinah Doba is a passionate blogger who loves to share the things she learn from the daily challenges of life.