I made a lot of excuses over the years to keep my self within the rules of remaining senseless and accepting, that I was responsible for my own abuse. Two years ago I received awake up call by having to prove to the state I was good enough to keep my children safe from the abuse the world could and would heap on them. This started my journey into accepting I was a survivor who made many critical and necessary decisions which kept my fragile little family together. The first thing was to admit that I had been and was being emotionally abused by the person I loved, and I was the one who needed to put a stop to it.
IN my Humble Opinion we as the humane race need to end the abuse of people everywhere by the more powerful. Be it the Telaban, a state dictator, religious leaders playing god,corporations and bankers, or the dysfunctional bloke or wife smacking someone around for the fun or satisfaction of it. This is not reality but an excuse, It does not matter who or where or why but bullying must be stopped now before the world and us survivors become extinct.

Catherin donating 1.000 Pounds Stirling is a good start and an excellent example of what we should all do within our own means to stop this crime. May be she could go to the radio station and create a challenge to the rest of the Portsmouth area to raise the rest of the money. May be the Dormouse women can become the do not abuse women as well. The Goddess has given Catherin a quiet challenge, then a visceral example to motivate her into action. When situations arise and the combined forces of Catherin and Goddess are aligned Things Happen. I just Hope Catherin sees this and acts.

BTW it was my step father who started this cycle of abuse on me. and His mother who emotionally abused him. We must confront this multi-generational train wreck for what is is, a crime against humanity.

Sorry for my soap-boxing.

Michele Whitewolf

In almost every case, long before someone is physically assaulted, the abuser has waged a sustained campaign against the psyche and the soul. This leaves the victim believing they deserve it or that they can’t physically, emotionally, or financially do anything that will get them out if it. The assault on the mind, emotions, and feelings of self-worth are the hidden injuries that the abused sustain. The safe physical haven that a women’s shelter provides is the easiest of the things that they do. The repair of the mind and soul are much harder to “fix” than bruises, burns, and broken bones. 20 years ago, when I was actively working with a shelter, the average was a woman had to leave her abuser 7 times before they left for good. Yes some left after the first incident, but others kept going back. No, they did not like getting beaten, and the reasons they gave for going back seemed to be varied, but in the final analysis, until a person’s feeling of self-identity and self-worth was healed, the victim usually could not see the possibility that they could make it, that they could live and provide for themselves and especially their children on their own. Providing healing for a broken mind, a betrayed heart, and a ravaged soul is the real work of a shelter.

I have enjoyed your series and appreciated all the issues you bring to light. I have definitely become addicted to this soap opera. THANK YOU.