Physical & Emotional Abuse Support Group
Abuse is a general term for the treatment of someone that causes some kind of harm (to the abused person, to the abusers themselves, or to someone else) that is unlawful or wrongful. No one deserves abuse, period. Abuse can be emotional, physical, or sexual.
So my husband and I have been together for almost 20yrs. The relationship started fine and after ~1yr he became physically and emotionally abusive. The physical abuse stopped (about 98% of it) about 4-5yrs ago when I got PG with our only child. However, the emotional abuse, in my opinion, has only gotten worse.
The issue is that I just began (last week) to see a therapist and would like to open up and be completely honest with her. The fear I have is that little piece of paper that all doctors, therapists, etc. make you sign saying that if they suspect abuse or immediate danger they can call the police. I know my son is not in any danger (my husband's world revolves around his son) and I'm really not in any physical danger anymore.I know everyone will say to leave the SOB, but I'm not at that point and/or ready to do that at this point.
Many years ago, I did see a therapist before (had no child at the time) who was wonderful, but moved her practice out of state. I did open up to her and at the time he was still physically abusive, but I guess she never felt it was to the point that she had to report it. It felt so good to finally open up to someone. I do remember signing that same paper or one very similar to it with her also.
My question is this? Where is that line that to me seems so grey? Does it change when you have children (although they are not at risk)? Is it solely based on the degree of the abuse (i.e. hospitalization, visible hidden bruises or those that the abuser has mastered to somehow be very painful for a week or more but leave no visible mark)? The fact that the physical abuse is all but over with only the occasional kick out of sight from my son when he feels that I am doing something wrong with our son (maybe once a month or so).
The issue is that I just began (last week) to see a therapist and would like to open up and be completely honest with her. The fear I have is that little piece of paper that all doctors, therapists, etc. make you sign saying that if they suspect abuse or immediate danger they can call the police. I know my son is not in any danger (my husband's world revolves around his son) and I'm really not in any physical danger anymore.I know everyone will say to leave the SOB, but I'm not at that point and/or ready to do that at this point.
Many years ago, I did see a therapist before (had no child at the time) who was wonderful, but moved her practice out of state. I did open up to her and at the time he was still physically abusive, but I guess she never felt it was to the point that she had to report it. It felt so good to finally open up to someone. I do remember signing that same paper or one very similar to it with her also.
My question is this? Where is that line that to me seems so grey? Does it change when you have children (although they are not at risk)? Is it solely based on the degree of the abuse (i.e. hospitalization, visible hidden bruises or those that the abuser has mastered to somehow be very painful for a week or more but leave no visible mark)? The fact that the physical abuse is all but over with only the occasional kick out of sight from my son when he feels that I am doing something wrong with our son (maybe once a month or so).
I began seeing a therapist a few months ago and it was made very clear to me that careful steps are taken to avoid causing more stressors and challenges. I don't like to lie---my doctor and therapist worked together to come up with a reasonable way for me to get help.;...Initially I went to the doctor for "allergies" and the women's resource center woman came to see me in the doctor's office---until a better plan could be developed....and I have not yet endured the physical abuse---just the threats of it.
Professionals want to keep you safe.